Help shape local health services...

01 December 2009

NHS Newham wants local people to help shape health services through the Newham Health Debate. The Newham Health Debate is an opportunity for local people to talk to NHS Newham staff and other local groups that support Newham people to have healthier lifestyles.

The Debate starts this week with a survey of local people asking them about their health and health services in Newham. Local events are also planned, such as an interactive Health Fair at Stratford Shopping Centre in January, so local people can get involved and talk to NHS Newham's staff directly.

Marie Gabriel, Chair of NHS Newham, said: "As we launch this year's Newham Health Debate I want to remind Newham residents that we hold the money that buys your local health services. Get involved in the Debate and tell us how best to spend it!

"Last year your views led to some big changes in how we do things. This year we need to hear from you again so that we can further improve health services and how we support you to look after your own health. So look out for further details of the Newham Health Debate survey and meetings and please make time to get involved."

The Newham Health Debate started last year with over 3,000 local people giving their views in the survey and at a number of local events. NHS Newham listened to what local people said and made changes to local health services. These include extending the hours that GP practices are open, bringing services like blood testing into the community and supporting people with stop smoking services locally.

The conversation continues so local people and community groups can feed in and feed back to ensure that actions, projects and policies are put in place to improve the health and lifestyles of Newham residents.

The easiest way for local people to get involved in the Newham Health Debate is the survey (available on the website: www.thenewhamhealthdebate.com). People can tell NHS Newham what they think until the end of February 2010. When you complete the questionnaire you can go into a draw to win some fantastic prizes.

You can do the survey on the Newham Health Debate website: www.thenewhamhealthdebate.com or you can get a survey sent to you by calling NHS Newham's communications team on (020) 7059 6788.

Upcoming Newham Health Debate events will be advertised in the Newham Recorder and on the Newham Health Debate website: www.thenewhamhealthdebate.com