YOUNGSTERS from two schools are to be consulted about the redevelopment of their local health centre.

The Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Forum for Sedgefield will be working with youngsters from Greenfield School and Woodham Comprehensive, Newton Aycliffe, as it examines plans by Sedgefield Primary Care Trust to redevelop the health centre in Newton Aycliffe.

Residents are also being consulted about what they would like to see from their health centres.

Questionnaires have been issued throughout the town for residents to fill in. So far, feedback suggests that people would like to see clinics for back pain, well woman/well man, young people, foot health and asthma.

They would also like to see complementary therapies, weight management advice, mother and toddler groups, stress management and counselling services.

PPI Forum member Bill Roberts said: "PPI Forums are concerned with making sure that patients and local people are put at the heart of health services. We want to ensure that the people of Newton Aycliffe have the opportunity to put forward their views.

"With the future development of health centres in Chilton, Shildon, Spennymoor, and later in Trimdon, it is also vital that local people have services that fit their needs and that these are considered at the outset of any development.''

John Clare, deputy headteacher at Greenfield School, distributed about 250 questionnaires to pupils in years ten and 11.

He said: "This is a great initiative as young people's needs are often far removed from those of adults and often not really considered."

Anyone wishing to have their say on health services in the Sedgefield area can call (01325) 327463 for a questionnaire.