People living in Lancashire and South Cumbria have been invited to become part of an NHS group aimed at helping shape local services.

NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) has opened recruitment to its Citizens Health Reference Group, which provides a vital public voice in many aspects of the work of the organisation.

By joining the Group, members of the public are able to work with NHS commissioners to support the development of services, policies and pathways, putting the public voice firmly at the heart of decision-making.

Members are encouraged to attend a scheduled full group meeting once every three months, while also having the opportunity to be more involved in specific projects that are of particular interest to them.

ICB chief executive Kevin Lavery said: “We are keen to have the public voice at the heart of everything we do.

“Anyone with an interest in health and care services in Lancashire and South Cumbria is welcome and encouraged to sign up to our Citizens Health Reference Group.

“What’s great about this group is it isn’t just a monthly meeting or anything like that. These are public advisers we can align to priorities they are interested in and can support over the long term, making a genuine contribution to the improvement and transformation of local services.”

The areas supported by the Citizens Health Reference Group are varied and wide-ranging, from the transformation of urgent and emergency care services to access to dental services and oral health, and from supporting the development of consultation approaches to supporting the New Hospitals Programme.

In joining the Group, members commit to an initial induction process, four quarterly group-wide meetings as well as additional work on their chosen workstreams.

To register an interest in joining the Group, visit www.lancashireandsouthcumbria.icb.nhs.uk/chrg

If you would like to learn more about the various ways you can get involved in supporting your local NHS, or provide feedback on services, visit www.lancashireandsouthcumbria.icb.nhs.uk/have-your-say