RESIDENTS in Teignbridge have the opportunity to give their views on the health services they have used recently.

Next week is Friends and Family Test Spotlight Week, which encourages patients to give anonymous feedback on a range of NHS services.

The information gleaned is intended to help shape and improve the NHS services across south Devon and Torbay.

Forms for people to give their feedback are available from hospitals, GP practices, dentists, ambulance and mental health services.

Sam Holder, of the South Devon and Torbay Clinical Commissioning Group, said comments from people who use services could provide a rich source of ideas and help to explain what they were happy with and what they were not.

‘The fact that the information comes through soon after the patient’s contact with the NHS means faster action can be taken to address any issues.

‘It might be something as simple as poor signage, difficulty getting through on the telephone, cleanliness of the facilities, or politeness of staff.

‘The NHS would also like to hear any ideas for improving quality, saving money or making it easier for people of all ages, languages and physical conditions to get involved,’ he said.

Initially launched in 2013, the Friends and Family Test had produced more than ten million pieces of feedback nationwide, making it the biggest source of patient opinion in the world.

For more information ask a member of staff at an NHS service or go to www.nhs.uk/friendsandfamily or the CCG website at //bit.ly/1pqhQ00.