HEALTH chiefs are urging South Durham residents to play a part in shaping the future of local services.

South Durham Health Care Trust, which manages Bishop Auckland General Hospital and Darlington Memorial Hospital, has issued an open invitation to an involvement day at Bishop Auckland Town Hall on Thursday.

Patients, carers and the public are being given more say in the way health services are developed.

Visitors to the open day will be told about the trust's new patient advice and liaison service, the patents and carers' council, and the role which volunteers have in hospitals.

Representatives from NHS organisations, social services, the Community Health Council, the voluntary sector and different carer and support groups will be on hand between 10.30am and 2.30pm.

For more details, contact Mary Roberts (01388) 454000, extension 2747.