RESIDENTS of West Devon are being invited to help shape health and social care in the county by giving their views at events in Tavistock and Okehampton soon. Devon County Council and Devon Primary Care Trust are asking patients, service users, carers and the public to tell them how services could be made to fit in with their own needs and lifestyles. A series of discussion events are being held across the county and it will be the turn of Okehampton on July 11 from 2.30pm to 4pm in the Ockment Centre and Tavistock from 6.30pm to 8pm the same day in the town hall. Chief executive of Devon Primary Care Trust Kevin Snee said: ?We want first-class flexible services. With new technology there are so many opportunities. ?These days, patients can be examined in real time by a consultant sitting miles away. X-ray results can be seen and transmitted instantly. Much more surgery and so many services can be offered safely in community hospitals. ?We want to capitalise on these opportunities and think through with the people of Devon how to make our health and social care modern, efficient, hassle-free and importantly local wherever possible. The ?drop-in? events will include information about health promotion running alongside the main activities.
