PEOPLE in North Yorkshire have been invited to have their say on plans by the ambulance service to change the way it is run.

The Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, which serves five million people across the county, is making an application to become an NHS foundation trust.

By becoming a foundation trust, members of the public and partner organisations will have the opportunity to become involved in the service in the future.

Although it will remain part of the NHS, the organisation would also become more financially independent and have greater accountability to the local community.

The trust is inviting members of the public to share their thoughts on the proposal.

The results will form part of the application to become an NHS foundation trust which will go to the Department of Health next summer.

David Whiting, Yorkshire Ambulance Service’s chief executive, said: “We have produced a consultation document which explains this process and why the views of the people of Yorkshire are such an important part of it. Our staff will also be going out and about around the region to speak to people too.

“Ultimately, we hope that people from all walks of life throughout Yorkshire will be inspired by our future plans for their ambulance service and will want to get involved.”

The consultation will run until December 4. Copies of the consultation document can be viewed online at http://www.yas.nhs.uk/ourfutureplans/Consultation_Document.html and are also available from Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust by emailing foundationtrust@yas.nhs.uk or calling 01924-584567.