A PATIENT watchdog has appealed for people to get involved in their local NHS.

The Patient and Public Involvement Forum was set up to work alongside the County Durham and Darlington Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. People are urged to get involved, starting with its annual meeting this Friday at the Pioneering Care Partnership building, Burn Lane, Newton Aycliffe, at 10am.

The forum will be looking at issues such as hospital-acquired infections and end-of-life care.

For more information, ring (01429) 823067.