THE indepedent regulator of health services in the county has set its priorities for action for the following year.

The new Healthwatch Board held its first annual public meeting in the Shirehall in Hereford.

Members of the public, voluntary body representatives, councillors and health organisation representatives took part in a discussion and consultation exercise to help set Healthwatch Herefordshire’s priorities for action over the next twelve months.

The top six themes selected were: social care assessments and the new pathway for adult social care services; public Health, healthy lifestyles, prevention services; A&E; access to GP services; complex and multiple conditions and coordination of services; and palliative care: experience of having choice for treatment of terminal conditions and choosing where to die.

Ian Stead, chair of Healthwatch said: "We are really excited about the choices the public have made and we hope that people will come to our public events to have their say and make their voice heard so we can make a real difference."

Healthwatch Herefordshire’s next public event will focus on community services and will be held at The Larruperz Centre, Ross-on-Wye on September 5 from 6pm to 8.30pm. Book your place at www.healthwatchherefordshire.co.uk/content/events