Talking About Health in Reading

27 February 2012, 06:00 | Updated: 27 February 2012, 07:16

With changes to the NHS coming in next year - Reading Borough Council wants to know what's most important to people when it comes to their health.

The Berkshire authority's holding the first of 6 public events as part of their Let's Talk Health consultation.

The Health and Social Care Bill, currently going through Parliament, will give local authorities more responsibility for health services

The council's handing out questionnaires and holding discussion events across the town to ask people what they think about things like GP and dental services, weight-loss advice, drug misuse treatments and how important green spaces are to staying healthy.

Councillors say they will use the results to shape how they work with other health partners to ensure people in the borough stay fit and healthy.

Under the NHS changes being talked about GPs and hospitals will be responsible for delivering front-line services with authorities looking at how other services like cancer screening and counselling contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

Councillor Bet Tickner, Lead Councillor for Public Engagement and Health said;

"Let's Talk Health will do exactly what it says on the tin. We want to get local people talking about health services - what's good, what's not so good, and what we need to do more of to help people to lead long, healthy and happy lives.

"It's important for the Council, and its partners in the NHS, to know people's views now that big changes to the way the NHS is run is being discussed in Parliament and may soon become law."

Complete the survey online or head to one of the Lets Talk Events:

Monday 27th February, 12pm-2pm New Directions in Caversham. 2pm-4pm Battle Library in Oxford Road.

Wednesday 29 February, 10am-12pm Hamilton Road Children's Centre in Bulmershe Rd. 1pm-3pm South Reading Y&C Centre in Northumberland Avenue.

Thursday 1 March, 6pm-8pm Civic Centre in Reading.

Saturday 3 March, 10am-12pm Civic Centre in Reading.