PATIENTS of North Dur-ham's busiest casualty department are being asked if they are happy with the service it provides.

Users of the accident and emergency department at the University Hospital of North Durham have been asked to give their views on the service and ideas on how it could be improved.

The Patient and Public Involvement Forum for Durham and Darlington Acute Hospitals Trust hopes to involve the public in the operation of services at department.

The move follows an approach to the forum by Julie MacDonald, clinical services manager and lead nurse for accident and emergency at the hospital, and Dr Alan Klottrup, of the Women's Royal Voluntary Service, who has been co-opted onto the hospital's directorate management committee.

The vice-chair of the forum, Betty Hoy, said: "Accident and emergency departments are faced with a tough challenge, in that they have to meet the needs of a wide mix of people, often in pain and under stress.

"It is vital that patients and local people who use the service are given the opportunity to use their experiences and become involved in making improvements."

Anyone interested in giving their views is asked to contact co-ordinator David Taylor-Gooby on (01429) 823067.