HEALTHWATCH Somerset, which represents patients and carers, is calling for people to share their positive stories about the NHS - to 'Say YES to the NHS in 2015!'

At a time when politicians and others are often seen to criticise the NHS and highlight the problems, Healthwatch Somerset want to strike a balance.

Manager Morgan Daly said: “At Healthwatch Somerset we work hard to listen to local people at community groups, during consultation events and also on the phone.

"It’s our job to listen to anything and everything to do with your health and social care.

"This month, to get the ball rolling in the New Year, we’re asking patients, carers and members of the public to tell us their positive stories about what the NHS has done for them.

"But we’re not just interested in listening – it’s what we do with the feedback you give us that really matters.

“We’ll encourage NHS staff by telling them how much you appreciate their work; we’ll give pointers to managers about what you really value about your treatment; and we’ll help hospitals across England to learn from the successes of our local hospitals.”

Rachel Robinson, chief executive of The Care Forum, which runs Healthwatch Somerset, said: “We receive lots of comments, concerns and complaints about health and social care services.

"This is good as it enables us to talk to the providers and make a difference to improve things.

"When we hear about poor practice in one area, it helps to improve practice everywhere.

"But we know that there is so much more positive news than negative and we want to give people the chance to tell us about that as well as sharing their concerns.

"We will look at every comment or story we receive and make sure that the right person in the NHS sees it.”

To say YES to the NHS in 2015, e-mail your comment or story to sayyestotheNHS@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk or phone 01823-751403.

You can also write to Healthwatch Somerset, c/o Somerset Rural Youth Project, Unit 2 Suprema Estate, Edington, Bridgwater, TA7 9LF.