Patient Group

Oak Vale Patients’ Forum (PPG) meets at least four times each year. The Forum is patient led, made up of up to eighteen people, invited to represent a cross section of the patients at the practice.The meetings are also, whenever possible, attended by the doctors, nurses and practice administrative staff. The group began meeting informally in 2010 when the practice was situated on Edge Lane Drive.

The structure of the group was formalised following the changes to the N.H.S. structure in 2013. This was done by drawing up ‘Terms of Reference’, and by affiliating the Forum to the National Association of Patient Participation (N.A.P.P.). The monthly newsletter from N.A.P.P. is displayed on the Forum notice board in reception and can be emailed to patients on request. Patients can access the N.A.P.P. website using log-in details and password, available on request.

The Forum produces a regular newsletter. This can be seen on the Forum notice board in the surgery waiting room, copies available on request..

The Patients’ Forum provides a monthly Drop-in session at the surgery. These sessions are very informal and open to patients and carers who want to come along to meet with Forum members, and have a cup of coffee and a chat. Details in reception.

In addition to our Patients’ Forum, (which meets face to face) the practice has established a Virtual Reference Group. All communication will be via email. Members of the VRG will be asked to respond occasionally to short surveys, questionnaires or opinion polls. Please contact the surgery and leave your email address if you are interested in participating in the VRG.

Please see the notice board and Envisage screen in reception for Forum news, contact details and updates.

Oak Vale Patients’ Forum cannot deal with medical problems, complaints, or concerns of a personal nature, nor can details be passed on. This is relevant to all communication methods, Forum meetings and the Drop-in sessions.