Ref. 28506-13Revolutionary forums designed to keep tabs on Swindon's health matters have got off to a good start but organisers still need more volunteers to sign up.

The health forums are being hailed as a voice for the people and will give residents legal powers to demand information from their health trusts.

The Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health is behind the network of Patient and Public Involvement Forums aimed at keeping checks on health standards.

John Walsh, 68, of Liden, joined the Swindon and Marl-borough NHS Trust forum because he thinks there is room for improvement.

The former chartered engineer said: "It seems that most people who are interested in the NHS acquire that interest as a result of being ill.

"A typical experience is to receive good treatment but to notice several points that could be improved in the way things are organised, whether it's the way that appointments are managed or the quality of hospital food.

"The forum members have all met each other but there are not enough of us.

"People should take an interest. It's their health service and we will all be patients one day."

The commission has this month launched a second recruitment drive to coincide with the New Year.

Erica Lewis, regional manager for the commission, said: "The New Year is often a time when people resolve to do something to improve their health, whether that be going on a diet, giving up smoking, taking up exercise or cutting back on alcohol.

"This year we are urging local residents to go one step further and help both themselves and others by becoming a voice for health concerns in the area and campaigning to make a difference."

Each NHS Trust and Primary Care Trust in England has its own forum, consisting of at least seven people who will discuss health issues affecting the area.

These could range from concerns regarding the building of telephone masts to patient numbers or food standards at a hospital.

Swindonians can join forums for the Swindon and Marlboro-ugh NHS Trust, Swindon Primary Care Trust, Wiltshire Ambulance, Kennet and North Wilts PCT and Cotswold and Vale PCT.

Shrivenham residents may join an Oxfordshire PCT forum. These are just a handful of the 570 running across the country.

As such there is no set budget for each forum.

But rough estimates indicate that they will have around £25,000 a year to cover costs including members' expenses, questionnaires and inspectors' surveys.

Recruitment for the remaining forum positions is continuing. For more information call 0845 120 7115 or apply online at www.maketimeforhealth.org

Alex Emery