Oakham Medical Practice Seeks Community Voices for Patient Group
Oakham Medical Practice is actively recruiting new members for its Patient Participation Group (PPG), following the departure of two key members, including the long-serving secretary. The call comes as the practice emphasises its commitment to patient involvement and continuous improvement of services.
The Patient Participation Group plays a vital role as a "critical friend" to the practice, offering constructive feedback and insights from a patient perspective. "After three years of dedicated service, Allan has stepped down as our Secretary," noted Barbara Crellin, Chair of the PPG. "We are now looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our committee, particularly for the Secretary role, but also for general committee member positions."
The PPG committee typically meets six times a year, with occasional open meetings to engage a wider audience. Patients interested in contributing to the future of their local healthcare can express their interest by emailing ppgoakham@gmail.com. This email address also serves as a contact point for joining the PPG's mailing list and receiving their informative newsletters.
The May 2025 PPG Newsletter, disseminated to patients, highlighted several key areas of focus for the practice and the group:
Bridging the Digital Divide:
A recurring concern among patients is the challenge faced by those who cannot, or prefer not to, use online communication for NHS services. Oakham Medical Practice is keenly aware of this and assures patients that support via telephone and face-to-face contact remains readily available. The Patient Services Team (PST) is also equipped to assist patients in navigating the practice’s website and the NHS App.
Optimizing Online Resources:
Patients are encouraged to explore the practice's comprehensive website, www.oakhammedicalpractice.co.uk. The site offers a wealth of information, from appointment booking and repeat prescriptions to details on mental health support, physiotherapy, podiatry, and an extensive library of NHS guides. The "our practice" tab provides essential information on accessing medical records, the practice’s policy on abusive behaviour, and how to raise concerns.
Engaging with the Community:
The PPG maintains an active presence on social media, with pages on Facebook and X (Twitter), encouraging patients to stay connected and informed. In the coming weeks, PPG members will also be present in the practice waiting room, seeking direct feedback from patients on their experiences and health needs.
Spring COVID-19 Vaccinations:
For eligible individuals, the Spring COVID-19 vaccine program is currently underway, with the final date for vaccination set for June 17, 2025. Eligibility criteria remain consistent with the previous year, covering adults aged 75 and over, residents in care homes for older adults, and those aged six months to 74 years with a weakened immune system. Further information on walk-in clinics and eligibility can be found at https://llrvaccinations.nhs.uk.
Advocating for Practice Staff:
The newsletter also drew attention to a poignant short film from the Institute of General Practice Management (IGPM), titled "The Call I Just Took." The film is described as a powerful call for compassion, emphasising that protecting reception teams – often the first point of contact for patients – directly safeguards access to care.
Upcoming Practice Closures for Training:
Patients are reminded of upcoming partial closures for staff training. The practice will close from 1pm on the following dates:
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Thursday, November 13, 2025
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 There will be no training days in August or December.
Oakham Medical Practice underscores the importance of patient engagement and encourages all patients to consider joining the PPG to help shape the future of local healthcare services.
