The NHS West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (WECCG) has created new opportunities for local people to get involved in the health service.

The WECCG, which is responsible for planning and buying healthcare, has vowed to work more closely with patients and carers to improve access to services and help them receive the right support.

WECCG say the move is based on the successes of the 2013 campaign, My Health, My Future, My Say, which saw officials visit members of the community and discuss issues one-to-one.

This year’s plans include public Q&A sessions with doctors and managers, opportunities to work with the specialist teams delivering services and a new group bringing together local people and staff from WECCG to better understand local community needs.

Six question and answer sessions will take place across Epping, Harlow and Uttlesford and will offer the opportunity for the public to make suggestions directly to GPs and senior managers.

Anyone with an interest in getting invloved is asked to contact patient engagement ooordinator, Anita Millar, on 01992 566140 or at anitamillar@nhs.net.

Arthur Moody, Chairman, Ongar Patient Forum said: “Any increase in methods of participation is welcome and these plans sound like a great way of involving local people and giving local residents - be them from Epping Forest, Harlow or Uttlesford - the chance to speak directly to the people in charge of healthcare in our area.”