Patients who have recovered from joint surgery and volunteered to help others going through the same thing have been recognised for their efforts.

The team of 40, known as the Joint Information Group, have been helping patients at Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone for 10 years.

The volunteers assist those preparing for and recovering from life-changing surgeries, drawing on their own experiences to answer questions.

The hospital, which carries out more than 400 hip and knee replacement operations every year, hosted a celebration event on Tuesday October 25.

Pat Howie, from Leytonstone, became a founding member of the group 10 years ago when staff asked her to share her experience of a knee replacement with others preparing for the procedure.

She said: “I look back and am very proud of the number of people who we have helped.

“It’s fantastic that by sharing our own experiences and tips we are able to put others at ease.

“Our regular meetings also have great attendance, offering the opportunity to socialise and gain the latest expert information from clinic staff who pop-in and hold question and answer sessions such as on new research trials.

“I could never have guessed how our group would grow. It’s fantastic.

“We’ve even won hospital awards in recognition of the strong partnership between us and the orthopaedics team.”

Mr Robbins, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Barts Health NHS Trust said, “People requiring orthopaedic surgery often suffer serious lifestyle limitations such as not being able to work, walk, drive or bathe themselves.

“Our clinical team are always on hand, but it is at times preferable for people to hear from others who know what it’s like, and can be reassured by their recovery.

“The hospital and our patients are fortunate to have the support of these volunteers.

“My congratulations and thanks go to Pat and the team for their unwavering ten years of support.”