Suppose that for one day, tomorrow, you were in charge of all Newham's health services. Then let your thoughts drift further and consider how you would use your time to shape the future of health in the borough.
In simple terms, that opportunity to have your voice heard is the principle behind the forthcoming Newham Health Debate.
Health care in Newham is managed by the Newham Primary Care Trust as part of the NHS. Over the coming months it will be introducing a series of events in which local residents will be asked about the kind of health services they want. When the process is complete the Trust will analyse the information, identify the priorities and then set about acting on the results.
For the Newham Health Debate to be effective it is important that you, your family and friends, and all your neighbours become involved. The more people that take part then the more accurate will be the Trust's understanding of the community's needs.
The first of the events is a survey questionnaire that will be distributed widely throughout the borough and available online. Information gathered from this will show the big picture of what people want and so it really matters that you fill one in and return it.
Next up will be a workshop event where you will be invited to sit down with groups of other people and explain in more detail what you would like to happen.
Then, towards the end of the consultation programme in early Autumn, there will be a live question-time meeting. This is where you will be able to put questions to the people who are directly involved in managing and making decisions about local health care.
The Newham Health Debate is going to start very soon. The survey questionnaires will be distributed within the next few weeks.
Melanie Walker, Chief Executive of Newham Primary Care Trust said, "I urge everyone in the community to take part in the Newham Health Debate. The views of each and every one will be instrumental in deciding the future of health services right here where we live. The PCT wants you to speak today so we can shape the health services of tomorrow."
