Changes to the organisation of healthcare were presented to residents and community groups at a launch this week.
The Healthwatch Tower Hamlets event, held at the Brady Centre in Hanbury Street, Whitechapel, allowed people to find out how to get involved in - and share their views on - health services in the borough.
People can now become Healthwatch board members or join specific advisory groups.
Among the members of a youth panel set up under the scheme was 17-year-old Tower Hamlets College student Saif Uddin, who pledged to reach out to pupils from other schools on topics such as the health risks associated with smoking Sheesha pipes.
Tower Hamlets Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing Cllr Abdu Asad said: “We need to work with health professionals, partners, and above all the community to address the health issues in the borough.
“Help us to help you by getting involved and allowing Healthwatch to represent your views.”
The launch, held on Tuesday, follows the government’s recent reforms of healthcare structures, which mean local authorities are given greater responsibility for the provision of care.
To get involved, visit www.healthwatchtowerhamlets.co.uk or call 0800 145 5343.
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