A GROUP of volunteers who champion the health care needs of people in Sedgefield borough has celebrated its first anniversary.

The Patient and Public Involvement Forum was established in December 2003 by volunteers from across the borough.

The independent group works closely with Sedgefield Primary Care Trust and other health agencies to represent the voice of the public and patients.

Forum members visited six GP surgeries to look at the range and quality of information available and have surveyed patients.

The forum is also asking hundreds of Newton Aycliffe residents what they would like to see included in a new health centre to be built next year. The Sedgefield forum has been involved in the development of a new out of hours service, the Oral Health Strategy and new integrated teams, which will provide a holistic service to adults with physical disabilities.

The forum, which meets monthly, is looking for people to join the group. For more details about getting involved, call (01325) 327463 or (01325) 327462.