ANEW health commission is set to stage a series of public meetings to update residents on their plans to improve local healthcare.

North Durham CCG will hold a series of stakeholder events across its three constituencies in Stanley, Chester-le-Street and Durham.

As part of the NHS reform, CCGs – led by local GPs and other health professionals – will take over NHS management responsibilities from local Primary Care Trusts for the planning and purchasing of local health services from April 1.

The meetings will enable the North Durham CCG to set out its key aims for improving the health and wellbeing of, and health services for, local residents.

It will also help local people to understand the new reforms, their impact and how they can have their say in planning healthcare in the future.

North Durham CCG Chief Clinical Officer (Designate), Dr Neil O’Brien, said: “In October 2012 we asked local people what our priorities should be as we take on the responsibility for the planning and purchasing of the vast majority of local health services from April 1, 2013.

“Their views have been extremely valuable in helping us to decide how best to invest the £300m of taxpayers’ money we have to spend over the coming 12 months on behalf of the 243,000 people we serve.

“We are now keen to demonstrate how their contributions have made a difference, to share our plans for the coming financial year and to explore how we can involve more patients and stakeholders in the review, design and improvement of health services to ensure that local health services are developed both with and for local people.”

The public meetings will take place at:

  • 6pm-8pm, Tuesday, March 19, Chester-le-Street Cricket Club, Ropery Lane, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, DH3 3PF;
  • 2pm-4pm, Thursday, March 21, Chester-le-Street Cricket Club, Ropery Lane, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, DH3 3PF;
  • 2pm-4pm, Tuesday, March 26, The Durham Centre, Belmont Industrial Estate, Durham, DH1 1TN.

If you would like to attend any of these events, telephone Beverley Snee or Gail Whitehead on 01207 285523 or 01207 285525 or email beverley.snee @nhs.net or gail.whitehead2 @nhs.net to confirm your attendance.

Please advise when phoning if you have any special requirements.