THE deadline is looming for a questionnaire which could help determine the shape of NHS services in Worcestershire.

People in Worcestershire have until May 30 to fill in a questionnaire and have their say on the future of healthcare services in the county.

The three Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Groups (NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove, NHS South Worcestershire and NHS Wyre Forest CCGs) are responsible for buying healthcare services for Worcestershire residents and, with an increasing demand for services, are unable to continue buying services in the same way as previous years.

The CCGs are working alongside Worcestershire County Council to gauge views.

Some of the suggestions include things like restricting access to certain treatments and prescriptions or introducing new ways of receiving the help and advice people need.

Residents are able to complete the questionnaire online via the ‘Get Involved’ section on each of the CCG websites.

Dr Carl Ellson, for NHS South Worcestershire CCG, said: “We’re really keen that as many people across the county take part in this survey.

"It’s important that we hear from the people using these services so that we can make informed decisions that meet the needs of local patients.” The three CCGs in Worcestershire are responsible for buying (commissioning) most healthcare services for Worcestershire patients.

They have a combined budget of more than £700 million to buy hospital services, mental health services, learning disability services, community services GP services and medicines.