Volunteers who have contributed to the NHS in East Berkshire have been praised for their efforts and contributions by NHS commissioners.

One of the volunteers who received praise was Alan Thomson, who has worked with a Patient Performance Group (PPG) in Bracknell for over eight years.

Over the years, he has worked in a number of roles – he has been the patient group’s secretary, chair and now vice-chair. In this time, Alan has also participated in Bracknell and Ascot Patient Assembly as Vice-Chair and Acting Chair.

Alan said: “Helping the organisation improve the provision of local healthcare services for people in the Bracknell area, with more being delivered in GP practices.

“I do so by using my experience and skills from having worked in a large business organisation as a project and services manager.”

Sarah Bellars, Director of Nursing and Quality for East Berkshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “We are forever grateful for the on-going support we receive from our volunteers who are passionate, enthusiastic and dedicated.

“Volunteers commit time and energy for the benefit of others, freely, through personal choice.

“They help us hear the patient and public voice when decisions need to be made about commissioning.

“Whether they focus on improving awareness about all kinds of health matters such as cancer and diabetes, dedicate hours to their GP practice through a patient group, or work within provider services to help individuals and their families, the impact of their contribution can be measured far and wide.”