THE first Whipps Cross Patient and Public Involvement Forum (PPI) meeting held last week has been hailed a success.

Guests and forum members met at the hospital in Whipps Cross Road, Leytonstone, to formally launch the Whipps Cross University Hospital NHS Trust's new watchdog organisation.

The forum's chairman, Paul Marlow, gave a short introduction about the role the forum will play in helping members of the public and patients influence the way local healthcare is organised and delivered.

Guests at the meeting included Mayor and Mayoress Michael and Janet Lewis, the hospital's chief executive Peter Coles and Walthamstow MP Neil Gerrard.

Mr Marlow said: "It was a fantastic start for the forum and I am very pleased with the way it went.

"The enthusiasm from the Mayor and Mayoress was very impressive. I had a long chat with them and they wanted to know a lot about the forum and our aims.

"I am very grateful to Peter Coles for coming along and for his ongoing support.

"The next forum meeting will be held in September."

Forum members will now be contacting local communities to find out their views on local healthcare.