RESIDENTS of Okehampton are being encouraged to have their say on how Okehampton Community Hospital can improve the quality of care it provides to patients.

The Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust, which manages the hospital and community health and social care services locally, is looking for residents to put forward their priorities for improving care over the next year.

The public's feedback will be used to help shape the trust's quality account for 2014/15, which updates people on the ongoing mission to improve services.

The report looks at how the trust has performed over the previous 12 months and outlines priorities for the future. Trust staff and other stakeholders are also being consulted.

Sarah James, head of quality and safety, said: 'We are keen to find out what is important to you and what priorities you think we should be focusing on in the year ahead.

'For example, you may think we could do things differently in areas like dementia care, nutrition and hydration or comfort rounding.

'You may have ideas about how we can continue to reduce pressure ulcers or patient falls, or how we can improve our medicines management.

'By taking a few minutes to have your say, you can help us make small changes which can eventually make a big difference for patients, families and carers.'

The public should e-mail suggestions to Sarah at [email protected]">[email protected] call her on 01271 314168 or fill in the online form on the trust website http://www.northdevonhealth.nhs.uk">www.northdevonhealth.nhs.uk

The quality account is due to be published in June and feedback must be received by Friday, April 3 in order for it to be included in further discussions.