HEALTH chiefs are asking local people about offering more choice of places to receive treatment and on priorities for improving mental health and wellbeing. The Government has asked NHS Bolton to select three community or mental health services where patient choice will be opened up to any qualified healthcare provider. This is part of a national policy where any healthcare providers — including the NHS, independent organisations, charities and social enterprises — that meet qualifying requirements will be allowed to deliver some NHS services.

Members of the public can say whether they would like more choice of where they are treated as well as whether the local NHS should allow qualified private clinics to offer a wide range of services.

NHS Bolton would also like to hear people’s views on the draft mental health strategy, which sets out plans to focus on services for people with anxiety and depression as well as those with dementia.

Those interested in taking part can complete the survey at surveymonkey.com/s/ NKQK9S7.

The survey is open until Wednesday, September 28.