HEALTH chiefs are urging members of the public to have their say about the future of the region’s hospital services by becoming a member of their community council.

The call came after protesters confronted members of the Darlington Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) about how much information was being shared with the public at a meeting last week.

Joanne Land, from campaign group ‘999 Call for the NHS’ voiced concerns that plans for the future of Darlington Memorial Hospital and the University Hospital of North Durham were further along than is being revealed.

She said: “We don’t feel people are getting the full truth. We believe that, because of the work going on at Durham University Hospital and at Darlington Memorial, there must be some kind of proposed decision of where they want services to go.’’

Mrs Land was referring to plans for the development of Darlington Memorial’s Urgent Care Centre and proposed upgrades at Durham Hospital’s accident and emergency unit.

This claim was denied by the CCG which said it was doing its very best to make sure that public consultation was as transparent as possible.

Michelle Thompson, member for patient and public environment, said her role as chief executive of Health Watch Darlington meant that she would be monitoring patient and public consultation closely.

She said: “I will be seeking assurances that the public are consulted throughout this process. I will also be encouraging people to have a voice by joining our community council.’’

Mrs Thompson said that Darlington CCG is looking for people from all ages and backgrounds who are enthusiastic about influencing and improving the way that local health care is delivered.

Good communication skills are needed and a a broad understanding of the NHS is useful.

For more information about how to become a member of the community council, contact Stephanie Edge on 01325-746110.