A NEW forum to promote patients? views about health services in Mid Devon has been set up.
The representative for Okehampton and the surrounding area on the new Mid Devon Primary Care Trust Patient Forum is Exbourne man Neil Gilmour.
The new patient and public involvement forum is part of a national network replacing Community Health Councils which were abolished in December.
Membership of the forum consists of local people with an interest in health service issues.
The forum aims to find out what patients think about the health services they receive and make recommendations to NHS managers.
Mr Gilmour said: ?I look forward to the challenge and responsibility of this role. Over the coming months I will meet local people and organisations who have a knowledge and influence on health issues. As a result of these meetings, the forum can prioritise its work.
?Although the forum is independent I believe it is important to have positive links with the local NHS provider which is Mid Devon Primary Care Trust and with the family practitioner services.?
The forums are independent from the NHS but will work alongside the NHS and other agencies which affect health. The forum can look at wider public health issues and have an influence on how the causes of inequality can be tackled.
Mr Gilmour said he would be pleased to hear from anyone who wanted to discuss the work of the forum or raise a general health service issue.
Call 01237 424000 and leave contact details with the support worker.