Over five per cent of appointments scheduled at Oakham Medical Practice (OMP) were missed by patients - according to the latest Patient Participation Group (PPG) newsletter.

Published this month, the newsletter shows in some 219 of 4,011 slots in December 2023, patients did not attend.

Over the last four months of the year, nearly 900 appointments were wasted by people who did not turn up without giving any notice.

"Concerning to us all is the percentage of appointments (more than five per cent - one in 20) that are wasted by patients simply not turning up without giving any notice," the newsletter said.

The February newsletter also wished well to practice manager Lizzie Jones who has retired after 34 years at Oakham Medical Practice.

Residents have also been told there may be an open meeting at the practice with the local parliamentary candidates, to discuss how they will help OMP if they are elected.

Locals can request to have the newsletter emailed to them by contacting [email protected].

The Oakham Medical Practice Patient Participation Group (PPG) announced its return in July 2022, following an Inadequate rating awarded to OMP by the Care Quality Commission.

A PPG is a group of patients, carers and GP practice staff who meet to discuss practice issues and patient experience to help improve the service.

Since regrouping, the PPG have worked with the practice users to communicate issues, as well as tackle and share any changes being made to the practice.