NHS commissioners are holding a ‘patient congress’ on a Saturday in the hope that working families with children will attend.

The main aim of the event is to hear what residents living in North Durham think about their NHS services and encourage local people to get involves in discussions about the policies and commissioning priorities of the NHS North Durham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

Run by North Durham GPs, the CCG is responsible for planning, designing and paying for a range of local NHS services.

The event on Saturday, April 18 at Park View School, in Chester-le-Street includes activities for children and young people ranging from colouring-in for younger children to ‘healthy bodies activity’ designed to encourage older children to taken an interest in keeping their bodies healthy.

The event, which runs from 9.30am to 1pm, will also feature information stalls from a wide variety of organisations including Durham County Carers Support, Healthwatch, the fostering organisation, Banya Family Placing, the Alzheimer’s Society and the Stroke Association and many others.

Guest speakers will include representatives from Durham carers, the Regional Refugee Forum and Veterans at Ease.

BSL signers will be attending and crèche facilities are available.

For more information or to book a place ring Anne-Marie Parkin on 01388-724040 or email Anne-Marie.Parking@durhamrcc.org.uk