THE first full patient survey of people living in North Yorkshire and Teesside will be sent to 850 randomly selected patients from today.

It is hoped that the survey, sent out by Tees and North East Yorkshire NHS Trust, will give the public a say in how mental health and learning disabilities NHS services are planned and developed in their area.

The questionnaire, which is part of the Commission for Health Improvement's drive for improved and appropriate health care services, will be sent to a random 850 adults aged between 16 and 64.

Patients will be asked detailed questions about various aspects of their experience, including care and treatment, relationships and health professionals, information, care plans, crisis care, medicines, and support in the community.

Moira Britton, chief executive at the trust, said: "We hope that users of our service will take the time to help us with this survey.

"Their views are vital in helping us to find out how we are doing and how we can improve.

"This is an excellent way for them to help shape the services we provide in the future."

Information given by patients in the questionnaire is anonymous and will only be used for the purposes of the survey.

People who receive a questionnaire can call a freephone line for help and advice, on (0800) 7832896.

The line is open Mondays to Fridays, from 8am to 8pm, and on Saturdays from 8am to 12am.

A pilot study in 2003 was carried out to find the views of service users' of the Tees and North East Yorkshire Trust.

The aim of that study was to test how well the questionnaire was put together and make ready for the full survey this year.