A PATIENT participation group has been formed at a Fenland doctor’s surgery - and it is looking for new members.

The new group for the New Queen Street practice in Whittlesey held its first last month and already has 22 members, but is looking for more people to join.

It will work with GPs and staff at the practice and will help patients to take more responsibility for their own health and enable them to provide feedback on a range of health related issues.

Michael Bacon, chairman of the new group, said: “We are very excited about our new Patient Participation Group - and have lots of plans for the future.

“Our group will focus on the real issues that are affecting patients in our area. We already have more than 20 members - but are keen to recruit new members to the group to ensure that we can get as wide a representation as possible.”

Dr Howsam, GP at New Queen Street Surgery, said: “We are very pleased to have established this new group.

“Groups like this are important as they help us to work together with our patients to improve the health and wellbeing of the communities that we serve.”

Meetings are usually held with a GP and other members of staff at the practice. Sue Last, assistant director of patient experience and public engagement at NHS Cambridgeshire, said: “This type of forum gives patients real power to take control over the health care that is provided within their community.”

New Queen Street practice is one of the surgeries that is part of the newly-formed Borderline Commissioning Cluster introduced earlier this year - which will be responsible for buying in a range of health services in the area. The role which has historically been undertaken by the Primary Care Trust.

• The next meeting is on February 15 at the surgery in Syers Lane, Whittlesey. For more information contact Helena Ayre, practice manager, on 01733 704460.