It is with a heavy heart and our best wishes that we announce David Pipes has stepped down as Chair of Royal Primary Care’s Patient Participation Group after more than 10 years of service.
David has served as Chair of the group since December 2015 but, after a recent cancer diagnosis, has decided to focus on his health and family and subsequently has resigned as Chair.
David played a key role as the lead voice of the PPG through several key transformations at Royal Primary Care – most recently the introduction of a new telephone system and digital triage in 2025, both significant improvements to patients’ ability to access our services.
He continues to remain a member of the PPG for the foreseeable future.
Nathaniel Webber, Managing Director of Royal Primary Care said: “We are very sorry to see David depart his role of Chair of the group. Since he first joined the PPG, he has been a passionate and ever-present voice who always prioritised the best interests of the people who matter most – our patients. Ten years as the key figurehead of our patient group is a considerable achievement.
“David has been a fantastic servant to our patients but, while his presence will be sorely missed, we cannot contest his decision to prioritise his health and wellbeing as he undergoes cancer treatment.
“On behalf of everyone at Royal Primary Care and our patients, I’d like to express our gratitude to David for his service to local healthcare, his contributions as Chair and his dedication to helping make patient care better for everyone. We can only hope that our next Chair possesses the qualities which made David so well-suited to the role, and we wish David all the best on his treatment journey.”
Details on how PPG members can apply to become the next Chair of the PPG will be shared directly with members over the coming days.
Find out more about the PPG and become a member by filling in our online form.