THE views of Bury's residents are needed to help carry out a comprehensive check-up of the borough's health service.

People who wish to talk about their experiences, focusing on the service provided by Bury and Fairfield General hospitals, are required as part of the Commission for Health Improvement's (CHI) routine assessment of Bury Health Care NHS Trust.

The assessment, known as clinical governance review, looks at the management, provision and quality of service provided by the NHS organisation and identifies best practice areas for improvement.

As well as local people, the CHI will talk to Trust staff, other people who care for patients, patient representatives, managers and others in the NHS. All information will be treated anonymously and in the strictest confidence. Peter Homa, chief executive of the CHI, said: "These assessments are intended to celebrate success, address shortcomings and share good practice. We expect a great deal of learning to emerge from the experience and want as many people as possible to contribute their views.

"Our aim is to conduct the assessments in a supportive and inclusive manner. That way we should all be working towards the common purpose of improving the patients' experience and providing the best possible standards of care."

Individual or small group meetings will be held locally on July 17, 18 and 19. To arrange a confidential appointment, send comments or for more information ring 0845 601 3012. At the end of the assessment, CHI will publish a report outlining what action needs to be taken at the Trust.

During the 24-week assessment, the CHI team will build up a picture of what the Trust is doing to ensure high quality care for its patients and where it might improve services.