PEOPLE in west Wiltshire are being asked for their opinions on how health care in the area is provided.

West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust is urging people to give their views on a draft strategy aimed at giving them more say in how health needs are catered for.

Chairman Shiena Bowen said: "The views of residents are important to the West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust.

"We believe a well-informed public will be better able to access and use health services and be involved in making local health care more responsive to need."

The trust is in the process of producing a public and patient involvement strategy, which has evolved through new NHS guidance that plans to put involvement of patients and the public at the heart of decision-making.

The strategy identifies ways of keeping patients better informed about their treatment and more able to make informed decisions and choices.

It aims to ensure patients, staff and the public have the knowledge, skills and support needed to influence health services and that the service acts on information received from these groups.

The draft strategy can be found at www.westwiltshire-pct.nhs.uk in the news releases and publications section.

Feedback should be sent to Helen Pond at West Wilts PCT, Valentines, Epsom Square, White Horse Business Park, Trowbridge, BA14 0XG or helen.pond@westwiltshire-pct.nhs.uk by May 10.