PATIENTS at a Cotswolds doctor’s surgery are set to have the chance to get extra support through their illnesses.

The Phoenix Surgery Patient Participation Group, an organisation set up by the surgery based in Cirencester, South Cerney and Kemble, is to start a new support service helping patients find extra support.

The group’s co-chairman Peter Jay said patients who had recently been diagnosed with a new, potentially life-changing illness, could be put in touch with support groups or teamed up with a ‘buddy’ with previous experience of the condition.

The service, which is operated by referral from a patient’s GP, is open to any patients of the Phoenix Surgery, although members of the group are hoping to liase with other surgeries in the area to expand the service.