Chance to have your say on healthcare

A series of workshops will be held throughout August and September by NHS Future Fit to find out how people think healthcare could be improved for the future.

The programme, set up to ensure hospitals continue to meet the needs of local people, will see people of Wem and Telford take part in the first two sessions on Friday of eight across the county.

Workshops will also be held in Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Newport and Ludlow, and two events will take place in Newtown.

Eight sessions will take place across the county for people to have their say on how the healthcare should be provided across Shropshire. They are:

• Wem Town Hall, Wem, on August 15 from 10am to 2pm

• Park Inn Hotel, Telford, on August 16 from 10am to 2pm

• The Monty Club, Newtown, on August 21 from 10am to 2pm

• Shropshire Education & Conference Centre, Shrewsbury, on August 22 from 9am to 1pm

• Oswestry Cricket Club, on September 18 from 5pm to 9pm

• Cosy Hall, Newport, on September 19 from 1pm to 5pm

• The Monty Club, Newtown, on September 22 from 5pm to 9pm.

• Ludlow Assembly Rooms, on September 23 from 10am to 2pm

It is hoped the opportunity to debate where healthcare services should be located and take part in question and answer sessions with doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals will enable people to generate ideas that could improve services.

Doctor Caron Morton, joint senior responsible officer for NHS Future Fit, said the sessions will form a key part in deciding what changes need to be made across Shropshire. She said: "

These events are one of many ways that people can make their voice heard. We need to work together to ensure we continue to provide quality hospital services for future generations.

"We know people have strong opinions on healthcare, and we are keen to get local people involved and include them in decisions which affect them.

"Being part of these workshops and other activities is the only way we can ensure doctors, nurses, patients and other health professionals can truly shape the future of main and community hospital services together in the right way."

While doctors, nurses and other professionals have already been considering how services could be changed, they are hoping these sessions will provide people with the chance to give their own ideas and opinions.

Such views could influence a range of changes to healthcare in the area within about five years, such as where they can access services from, and how services are delivered.

To book a place call (01216) 122805, email nhsfuturefit@nhs.net or visit www.nhsfuturefit.co.uk/events