RESIDENTS of Buckinghamshire will soon have the opportunity to give their thoughts on plans to improve their health and well-being.

In January, the Council’s newly formed Shadow Health & Wellbeing Board (SHWB) will ask for public opinion on their strategy.

The strategy aims to become crucial for health and social care and will be used as the basis for future services, setting out key areas for action over the next three to five years.

Patricia Birchley, SHWB Chairman, said that the system will unify clinical expertise with local knowledge for the benefit of patients and the public, she said: “Our focus is to work with others, including residents and key organisations to improve the health and wellbeing of the county.”

“I believe the consultation is an excellent opportunity for our residents to tell us what they think.”

The Board, which was formed in response to the Government’s radical reorganisation of health services, will be looking for the views of Buckinghamshire residents and stakeholder groups.

Those involved in housing and education are of particular interest as these can be major factors in improving the health and well-being of individuals.

The consultation will start towards the end of January and continue to the end of March and is available at: www.buckscc.go.uk.