NATIONAL health watchdogs have launched an investigation into Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

And they have urged district people to have their say on the county health service as part of their 17-week probe.

The Commission for Health Improvement (CHI) will look at the effectiveness of clinical arrangements in assuring high quality of care for patients.

It will identify both good practice and areas for improvement in its routine clinical governance review, which will take place in all hospital trusts nationwide in the next four years.

Chairman Dame Deirdre Hine urged people to voice their views.

She said: "The patient's experience of care lies at the heart of our work.

"We aim to improve care standards by focusing on the experience of those using the NHS.

"We want the NHS to see itself as the patient sees it. Sometimes that process will be an uncomfortable one but it is vital if we are to provide a better service."

Wyre Forest District Council leader Liz Davies stressed everyone was a stakeholder in the NHS and urged people to come forward and have their say.

Mrs Davies believes many district patients are suffering as a result of the county health shake-up, which saw the loss of inpatient services and a blue-light A&E at Kidderminster Hospital in September 2000.

She said: "I have heard an awful lot of stories where clinical matters have gone wrong.

"Of course there is good practice too but I think many people are experiencing genuine problems and I would urge them to book an appointment with CHI."

The NHS trust welcomed the review.

Communications chief Richard Haynes said it would be beneficial for the trust to have its services assessed by an independent body.

He said: "We are looking forward to it and to building up a constructive relationship with the CHI review team."

A public report will be published after the inspection.

Anyone wishing to book an appointment at the Wyre Forest Glades Leisure Centre, Kidderminster, on Wednesday, November 6, should call CHI on 0845 6013012.