A senior serious injury and clinical negligence solicitor at Thompsons Solicitors has been recognised for her services to the community by the Mayor of Havering.

Gwen Kirby-Dent was awarded a certificate for services to the community by Phillipa Crowder, the Mayor of Havering, at the ‘The Big Celebration’ at Raphael’s Park, Essex, marking her commitment to voluntary work.

Taking place during Volunteers Week, the event acknowledged members of the community who go out of their way to support others and have spent more than 100 hours volunteering.

Ms Kirby-Dent, who is based in Thompsons’ London office, has attended the CCG’s Patient Engagement meetings in Havering for three years, discussing how the local Clinical Commissioning Group is managing, sourcing and maintaining local healthcare services, and whether it is best meeting the needs of the Havering community.

Given her links with charities such as Headway and the Limbless Association and her work representing individuals who have suffered serious injury and medical negligence, Ms Kirby-Dent is able to voice those interests in the principal group’s bi-monthly meetings.

Gwen Kirby Dent, senior serious injury and clinical negligence solicitor at Thompsons Solicitors, said: “It’s a surprise and an honour to have been recognised for my voluntary work.

“I think it is particularly important, as someone who works closely with members of the public who may have been affected by the healthcare service, to be part of proactive conversations that aims to make sure the service is as best as it can be.

“The principal group acts as a voice for the community, and it’s something I’m very proud to be a part of.”