NORTH Yorkshire’s health watchdog has urged members of the public to make their voices heard over the many changes planned for the region’s health services.

The Scrutiny of Health Committee says it has heard details of planned consultations on a raft of major changes to the way health services are going to be delivered in parts of the county.

These include proposals for changes to the way in which some mental health services are to be delivered in Hambleton and Richmondshire.

The committee says a current consultation on the county’s Pharmacy Needs Assessment will influence decisions on where to site pharmacies, their opening hours and what services are provided.

In addition, it claims more changes are on the way through the Government’s Sustainability and Transformation Plans for the restructuring of health services, with consultation expected towards the end of this year.

County councillor Jim Clark, chairman of the Scrutiny of Health Committee, said: “This is a time of great change and uncertainty in the NHS both nationally and locally. There is a shortage of money, a shortage of skilled workers and a shortage of time.

“Health planners are up against it and we need to do everything that we can to help them make effective and informed decisions about health services in the county.”