Clinical leaders in Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven are inviting people to have their say about health services and help shape the future of the local NHS.

Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group (AWC CCG) is holding a special public event in Ilkley on Thursday, January 16, to meet people and hear what is important to them about their health services.

Views and ideas put forward by people will be fed into the CCG’s plans which are being developed for future services over the next two to five years across the area.

The public engagement event will be led by the CCG’s chief clinical officer, Dr Phil Pue, and clinical chairman, Dr Colin Renwick. They will talk about how people can influence their local health services by getting involved and giving their views.

“We’re committed to involving local people in helping to shape health services and sharing their views, so the CCG can really learn from their experiences – both good and bad,” said Dr Pue.

“We want to do everything we can to understand people’s health needs and to make sure our services meet those needs – that’s why it’s so important to hear their experiences of the NHS, views and ideas so we can make changes that really matter.”

People attending will also be able to find out what the CCG has achieved over the past few months and how it is involved in the ‘Call to Action’ national debate to ensure the NHS is ready to face the challenges of tightening budgets, an ageing population and an increase in demand for services.

The event will be held at Kings Hall in Ilkley from 2pm to 4pm. Everyone is welcome.

Patient and public engagement – a priority area for the CCG – will also be on the agenda with the CCG keen to hear people’s views on how it can get more people involved in the way their health services are organised and run.

If you would like to tell the CCG about your experiences, go to the website airedalewharfedalecravenccg.nhs.uk or call (01274) 237324.

People can also join their practice patient group or get in touch with Healthwatch Bradford (for Bradford district patients) via healthwatch bradford.co.uk or Healthwatch North Yorkshire (for Craven patients) via healthwatchnorth yorkshire.co.uk.