Patient participation group

• To offer opinions in a constructive manner and to put forward ideas on behalf of other patients.
• To improve the provision of health care.
• To improve communication between surgery, patients and the wider community about matters concerning the surgery and health in general.
• To provide assistance in development of new services.
• To encourage a spirit of self help and support amongst patients to improve their health and social care.

We are lucky to have our Garden Angel who has transformed the rear area of the surgery which was overgrown, unloved and unused. Irene Howarth from Wanstead Gardeners has spent many hours of her own time clearing, replanting and caring for the garden. There is now new colour and textures that have made a real difference. As you can see from the pictures (coming soon!), not only has the space opened up, but looks great and is usable.

Dr Paeprer is thrilled and said "Every time I look I still can't believe the difference. After so many years of neglect we have a new beautiful area". Dr Mohankumar said that "the space is now usable for staff not only for breaks but also for meetings. We are so lucky". Dr Siddiqi commented that " the transformation has changed the environment and the choice of plants has encouraged wildlife".

The Patients group held a meeting in the garden to showcase the new area and Irene explained the process of what had been completed. She said that she was thrilled that people loved what she had worked on.