RESIDENTS living across Hambleton and Richmondshire are being urged to join a network to have their say on health services.

The local Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has a statutory responsibility to encourage patient and public involvement when buying new, or looking to change, existing health services.

As such, it created a membership of residents in 2013 known as the Health Engagement Network (HEN) and the CCG wants more people get involved.

The HEN representative for Richmondshire, Jane Ritchie, explained the benefits of the network.

She said: “The next ten years will see enormous challenges to our NHS.

“Membership of the HEN should help you to be better informed and understand ‘the art of the possible’ for health.

“We will need to support our GPs and other health service professionals, including our ambulance service, by keeping up to date as to the challenges they will face.

“I would therefore encourage anyone living in the Richmondshire area to join the network.”

The representative for Hambleton, Ann MacNamara said that becoming a HEN member will not solve the NHS funding problems but it will ensure that residents’ voices are heard in discussions about local services.

She added: “It will enable you to be more informed about the processes involved through reading, meetings and informal discussions.

“You can be involved at different levels depending on you and the time available.

“We really need your input and it can all be done through electronic means, face to face, phone or letter.

“Our health matters to us all.”

Any resident, or those registered with a GP practice in the areas of Hambleton or Richmondshire can join the network for free.

There is no obligation and the level of involvement is optional, ranging from receiving newsletters and the occasional survey to being invited to take part in focus groups looking at specific issues or services.

To join the network, apply online via the CCG’s website: hambletonrichmondshireandwhitbyccg.nhs.uk

Alternatively, call 01609-767600 to request an application form or email hrwccg.media@nhs.net