History

Red House Patients Group goes from strength to strength

Patient Participation Groups have been around for some time. The first groups were started in the West Country in the 1970s. In 1978 the National Association for Patient Participation (NAPP)was formed to act as a focus for groups around the country.

The Red House Patients' Group was an initiative started by the doctors in the practice. An inaugural meeting of patients was held in February 2004, following which patients were invited to register their interest. Within a matter of weeks an interim Committee had been formed to undertake the formalities, including drawing up a Constitution, opening a bank account, and holding its inaugural Annual General Meeting on 5 October 2004.

Since its formation the Group has held a series of meetings at which speakers have talked about health care in the area. These have included the Chief Executive of the Primary Care Trust, the Chief Executive of the West herts Hospital Trust, and specialists in various medical conditions.

There is a Tea and Chat Group for people with an interest in Breast Cancer.