The BRC Oxford Patient and Public Advisory Group comprises patients, carers and other members of the public representing different themes of the BRC. The group aims to facilitate patient and public involvement across all themes and to offer support, advice and training, working in partnership with researchers to identify and maximise opportunities for meaningful involvement across BRC Oxford themes.
For more information or to get advice from the group, please email: GetinvolvedOBRC@ouh.nhs.uk or Rachel.Taylor@ouh.nhs.uk.
Jenny Gould
“I became involved as a PPI with the Musculo-Skeletal Trauma Team 4 ½ years ago, following a number of orthopaedic operations. My background is in stress management and psychotherapy. An especially satisfying project was the James Lind Alliance PSP, focusing on fragility fractures of the lower limb. A national survey of patients, carers, and healthcare staff collected opinions on all aspects of lower limb fragility fracture care. These were whittled down to a Top 10 list of research questions. Scientific papers were published, quickly resulting in new research projects.”
Magdalen Wind-Mozley
“In 2015, whilst having an ECG (participant in Ebola vaccine trial), I saw a poster regarding patient and public involvement with the Oxford Vaccine Group and volunteered. Over the last few years I have contributed to assorted trials; from grant applications to letters thanking volunteers for their participation; from feedback on photos, to texts for social media adverts. I find the work absolutely fascinating and, at times, inspirational. With the Covid-19 pandemic and scientific research (into treatments, control measures and vaccines) at the forefront of many people’s minds; this is a critically important time to involve patients and the public at every stage.”
Richard Mandunya
“I have a passion for better Health Service delivery through research. It is therefore imperative for me to contribute to this goal for the common good.
My years of experience in public participation enable me to contribute to the narrative as a service user. I also was widely involved in campaigns within the social housing sector, the Clinical Commissioning Groups, NHS England, and NHS Health Trusts.
Further international projects I have participated in include the International Learning Collaborative, as well as the GetReal Focus Group under the auspices of International Alliance of Patient Organizations.”
Sue Duncombe
“My interest in research started when my husband was diagnosed and later died of prostate cancer. I’ve developed PPI plans for research submissions, facilitated PPI workshops to ensure researchers get the input they need from PPI contributors and have provided feedback on research proposals. With the cancer lead nurse we have recently set up a PPI group to provide a lay perspective to researchers from people affected by cancer, across all stages of the research cycle from concept to dissemination.”
Corina Cheeks
“I was introduced to PPI by accident, around five years ago through an online advert seeking participants. I quickly learnt that there are many areas where minority ethnic groups are not adequately represented in research. I have since advocated for transparency and inclusion in research, especially for those underrepresented in our communities. In my role as a Marketing Manager, I have been privy to behavioural research and how our experiences and backgrounds can influence our beliefs and ability to trust medical professionals. I am interested in helping to break down barriers to ensure fair treatment for all, no matter their background.”
Mark Jennings
“Originally qualified as a Chartered Engineer, I have over 40 years’ experience as a senior manager and leader at all levels of the healthcare system. Previous roles include Operations Director of a major acute trust, National Programme Lead at the Department of Health, Programme Director at the NHS Institute at the University of Warwick, lead for a Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit review and Director of Healthcare Improvement at the King’s Fund, London. The focus of my work and expertise is now supporting local and national NHS organisations with improving services and increasing productivity. In 2014 I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and now play a very active role in the Oxford branch of Parkinson’s UK. I represent the Neurology theme on the BRC PPI Advisory Group.”
How the group makes a difference to research
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