Hill Brook and Dale Patient Engagement Group ("PEG")

Philip Virgo, convenor for the Norwood Forum’s Community Safety Partnership ("CSP"), recently chaired the first meeting of the Patient Engagement Group (PEG) for the Hill Brook and Dale Primary Care Network (HBDPCN). This network comprises The Brixton Hill, Herne Hill, Knights Hill, Deerbrook and Northwood (formerly Tulse Hill and Crown Dale) GP practices. The rest of West Norwood is served by the Old Dairy PCN (comprising the Brockwell Park, Old Dairy and Paxton Green GP practices).

The meeting begin with an introduction to the Primary Care Networks, which organise services such as long term care for Diabetes and Social (i.e. non-clinical) Prescribing. We then had introductions to social prescribing from the PCN Link Workers, adult (21 and over, employed by My Community) and youth (11 – 20, via The Well Centre). The meeting was recorded for those unable to attend. The Patient Practice Groups (PPGs) will continue to handle practice specific activities. The role of the PCN PEG is to handle those where they wish to act together. One of the first to be identified by the HBD PEG was to work with relevant community, faith and youth groups to help those suffering the loneliness of isolation, exacerbated by the Covid lockdown. 

The objective of the Norwood Community Safety Partnership is to improve local contact (both voluntary and professional) across the local structures of Health, Welfare, Education, Skills and Policing. This has the support of both PCNs and Lambeth Council but success requires the rarest of commodities, continuity of contact and effort.