RESIDENTS concerned with emergency care and patient transport services were among those to attended Healthwatch Gloucestershire's first public board meeting last week.

The meeting, which was held at Open House in Stroud, was the first time local people were given the opportunity to meet the board of the new independent consumer champion for health and social care in the county.

Attendees heard from chairman of the board Dr Claire Feehily and chief executive Barbara Piranty about the role of Healthwatch, its achievements in its first year, local issues received and its priorities for the next 12 months.

Residents raised their concerns about emergency care and patient transport services, both of which are areas Healthwatch will be looking at as well as hospital discharge, podiatry services and early mental health support for young people.

For more information go to www.healthwatchgloucestershire.co.uk.