Health plan set to be unveiled

Plans for community health services in the South Staffordshire area will be unveiled at a public meeting next month.

Patients and residents from the local area are invited along to the event to give their views.

South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust is holding the event at Tillington Hall Hotel in Stafford on September 4 at 12.15pm. Participants will hear about the trust's key health priorities and plans, and find out how they can get more involved in developing the services it provides.

The primary care trust is currently planning services for 2007 to 2012, which will be outlined in its Strategic Plan.

The draft plan, which will be shared at the event, focuses on key areas which include timely and high-quality health care, providing care closer to home, increasing life expectancy, improving care for chronic conditions and care towards the end of patients' lives.

All views shared on September 4 will be taken into account when the final version of the strategy is published.

The trust is responsible for identifying the health needs of the local community, working with patients and the general public to ensure that local people have access to a full range of health services.

Chief executive Stuart Poynor said: "The views and comments of patients and local residents are intrinsic to South Staffordshire PCT.

"We want to continually listen, understand and respond to people, particularly when we are planning our services.

"We want to learn about the lifestyles of local patients and residents, which impact on their health. "This information can then be used to help us understand better how to shape services, ensuring that they respond to individuals and their lifestyles."

Attendance at the event should be confirmed with Vanessa Day on 01283 507144. The draft Strategic Plan can be viewed at www.southstaffordshirepct.nhs.uk