WORCESTERSHIRE residents are invited to have their say on health issues.

Worcestershire County Council's Health and Overview Scrutiny Committee, are drawing up new plans for 2006, to help make improvements in the health service where needed and are

asking councillors and stakeholders for their views.

The main topics planned for scrutiny are; discharge from hospital focusing on mental health and sexual health in Worcestershire.

Health Committee chairman councillor Simon Geraghty said: "We want to make sure that our work plan reflects health issues in the county and the concerns people raise.

"It's important to as many people's views on this - so we're asking a range of organisations across the county.

"But there may be other individuals or groups who might have personal experience or information on these topics that would help us, " said Cllr Geraghty.

"Members identified these topics as we've been particularly concerned about the lack of availability of sexual health services and increasing incidences of sexually transmitted infections.

"Additionally, procedures for discharge from hospital and good links with community health and social care are vital, " added Cllr Geraghty.

The scrutiny committee will also work on responses to a number of significant consultations from local NHS bodies during 2006.

The committee's draft work plan is being sent to stakeholders including MPs, health bodies, patients' forums, services users and carers and is available at www.worcestershire.gov.uk/health.overviewandscrutiny

Comments on the work plan are invited by Thursday, January 26 to enable the committee to discuss them at a meeting on Monday, January 30.

All comments should be sent to: Sandra Connolly, Overview and Scrutiny Officer, by post at County Hall, Spetchley Road, Worcester, WR5 2NP or email scrutiny@worcestershire.gov.uk.