Help shape your local health care services

Following the success of public events in March this year, the South Kent Coast Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is inviting everyone who lives in Deal, Dover and Shepway to come along to two open workshops on Wednesday 12 September in Hythe and Dover.

South Kent Coast CCG is a team of GPs and health professionals who have taken over the decision-making process and budgets for the area from the Primary Care Trust. The CCG is preparing its plans for 2013/14 and the group needs to know how the service should be delivered locally.

The Dover workshop will be held at Dover Town Hall, Biggin Street between 6.30pm and 9.30pm, with refreshments provided. The Hythe workshop will be held at the Mercure Imperial Hotel from 10.30am to 1.30pm.

Doctors and clinicians will outline their progress so far and explain how the feedback from the March meetings has been incorporated into the plans. As these will focus on the health needs and priorities of the community, the CCG is encouraging people to come along to one of the meetings to make their views known. In addition to the meetings, the CCG will be liaising with community groups and is hoping that people will join its South Kent Coast Health Network, an online forum which will provide regular information, opportunities for taking part in feeding back views and opinions and alert members to further opportunities to get involved and have their say.

Dr Chee Mah, Chairman of the South Kent Coast CCG said: "The Olympic opening ceremony demonstrated how the NHS is a cherished part of our society but we all recognise that changes are needed and we completely support the move to commissioning services according to local requirements. Our CCG is working hard to provide cost-effective and efficient services and we need to hear your views to help shape our 2013/14 plans. We are also part of the community and these events provide us with a great opportunity to meet our fellow residents."

If you would like to attend one of the events, your place must be reserved by contacting the CCG by email southkentcoast.ccg@nhs.net or phone 01233 618339.