A NEW service giving patients the chance to shape the future of the health service has been launched by Harlow Primary Care Trust.

The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) aims to give help, advice and support to patients and their families as well as sorting out any concerns that patients and carers may have about the care they have received.

Harlow Primary Care Trust chief executive Pam Court said: "Sometimes patients, carers or relatives are unhappy about aspects of the care they receive but do not wish to complain.

"They do, however, want their concerns known to help improve the service for others. I am positive that PALS services will ensure that the concerns of these people are heard and as a result steps will be taken to improve the service we are all working hard to achieve."

For more information, ring 0800 783 3396 or write to PALS, 16th Floor, Terminus House, Terminus Street, Harlow, CM20 1XE.