A NEW service has been launched by Selby and York Primary Care Trust to deal with concerns and problems faced by patients and carers.

Two new members of staff have been appointed to form a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) team based at the trust headquarters in Monkgate, York.

The team aims to resolve any concerns of patients, their carers, friends and family, as well as sort out any problems within the service.

The PALS team will also provide information about trust services and other health-related issues, working closely with other PALS services, including the team at York Hospital.

PCT chief executive Dr Sue Ross said: "I am delighted we are formally launching this service; it is our aim to make the NHS more accessible to local people whilst also listening to their concerns and opinions.

"PALS will not replace the existing complaints system, although people may choose to speak to PALS first, especially where a difficulty may be easily resolved before making a complaint."

The PALS team can be contacted on freephone 0800 5870856, email them on PALS@sypcy.nhs.uk or write to PALS, Selby and York PCT, Freepost, NEA 13107, York, YO31 7ZX.

Updated: 11:25 Thursday, December 19, 2002