PEOPLE in Herefordshire are invited to have a say about their experiences in Hereford's three hospitals.

The Commission for Health Improvement will provide a listening ear for people who want to talk about Hereford Hospitals Trust and the services it provides in the County, General and Victoria Eye Hospitals.

The CHI is an independent body set up to help the NHS monitor and improve care across England and Wales.

Every Trust in the country will undergo a routine assessment and the one involving Hereford Hospital Trust, which will cover 24 weeks, has just started.

Better known as a clinical governance review, the assessment looks at the management provision and quality of services provided by the trust.

As well as local people CHI will talk to staff, people who care for patients, patient representatives and managers and others in the NHS. All information will be treated anonymously.

CHI chief executive Peter Homa said the assessments were intended to celebrate success, address shortcomings and share good practice.

Individual or small group meetings will be held locally on November 14, 15 and 16 and to arrange a confidential appointment or for more information call CHI on 0845 601 3012.

Comments can also be sent by letter to Neil Prime, review manager Hereford Hospitals NHS Trust, Commission for Heath Improvement, 103-105 Bunhill Row, London, EC1Y 8TG or e-mail neil.prime@chi.nhs.uk

At the end of the assessment CHI will publish a report outlining areas of good practice and highlighting what action needs to be taken by the trust.