A TEESDALE woman has been applauded for her work in the community as she celebrates her 90th birthday.
Mary Mitchell, from Staindrop, has been volunteering for 27 years.
She is still an active member of Healthwatch, which acts as an independent champion for people who use NHS services.
Denise Alexander, from Healthwatch, said: “Mary has always believed in making sure that patients have a say in the health and social care services that they use, so she joined the Community Health Council for patient involvement in 1992 where she
campaigned for patient consultation.”
She then became an active member of Link, a network of residents, organisations and groups that want to make care services better, and she joined Healthwatch’s board in County Durham in 2016.
Ms Alexander said: “Since then she has helped to make sure people have had their say on cancer screening, pharmacy services, GP appointments and changes to hospital services.”
Mary is also a founding member of Bishop Auckland Heartbeat Support group, which has been helping residents since 2010.
“She continues to be an active committee member and has recently secured a grant to help grow the group and widen its remit to anyone who needs support and friendship,” added Ms Alexander.
Visit healthwatchcounty
durham.co.uk for more details.
