TWO key figures are scheduled to take part in a live radio debate about the National Health Service in Worcestershire next week.

John Rostill and Michael O'Riordan, chief executive and chairman of the county's hospitals trust, are due to join the audiences for the discussion on Thursday, June 22, from noon-2pm.

The broadcast from Redditch, Worcester and Kidderminster will involve health professionals, experts, policitians, campaigners and patients who will have their say on the state of the NHS.

The Redditch Advertiser & Alcester Chronicle has teamed up with its sister papers in Worcester and Kidderminster and BBC Hereford & Worcester to stage the debate, Your Health Your Future.

The radio station will broadcast from three separate locations -- NEW College in Redditch, University of Worcester and Kidderminster College.

The aim is to create a better understanding of the crisis facing the NHS in the county, where the hospitals trust is seeking 700 job cuts in a bid to tackle a £30 million funding shortfall.

Hospitals all over the country are in crisis at a time when the Government has pumped billions of extra pounds into the service and it is hoped the discussion will provide some fresh ideas on how to solve the problems.

The debate will be carried live online at BBC Hereford & Worcester's website and televised in a webcast at bbc.co.uk/herefordandworcester

It will be followed by a live web discussion hosted by bbc.co.uk/worcester when it is hoped NHS executives will answer questions from the public.

The Advertiser is asking its readers to share their views and experiences.

If you have a question or an experience to share, write to NHS Debate, Redditch Advertiser, Grosvenor House, Prospect Hill, Redditch B97 4DL.