The Patient Participation Group at Much Birch Surgery is hosting a meeting to present Good Neighbour Schemes which support rural communities to local residents.

Dr Dominic Horne, a GP based at this practice, and vice chair of the Hereford Clinical Commissioning Group, will be a key note speaker at the meeting. Mr Anthony Bush, rural and parish officer at Herefordshire Council, will join the speakers for the question and answer session.

Jane Ellis, vice chair and secretary for Much Birch Surgery, told the Ross Gazette: “We know that the GP is often the first point of contact someone in need goes to for help and we recognise that loneliness can be a cause of physical and mental illness.

“The pressure on all our care and wellbeing services is intense and budgets are being cut for 2017. In particular our ageing and isolated rural community needs support. Good Neighbour Schemes don’t replace existing community support but provide additional support and help to enable people to live an independent life.”

The Good Neighbourhood meeting will be held on March 16th at 6.15pm at Much Birch Village Hall. The event is supported by: Much Birch Surgery, the Diocese of Hereford, Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning group, and Herefordshire Council.