HEALTH chiefs have warned that “difficult” decisions may lie ahead as people are invited to give their views on the district’s healthcare priorities.

A ‘big conversation’ will be running throughout July and August to get public feedback on how to shape local health and wellbeing plans for the future.

The consultations are being run by Healthwatch Bradford and District on behalf of local partners, led by the NHS Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven, Bradford City, and Bradford Districts Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), Bradford Council, and a range of community organisations.

A Healthwatch spokesman said: “The aim is to be open and transparent about the challenges facing the health and care system, take soundings about current plans, and help the health and care system develop new or different ideas. The big conversations are the opportunity for people to contribute ideas and thoughts which will help shape the future of local health, care and support services.”

In July last year, the three CCG’s stated there was a combined shortfall of around £17.6 million between their annual budgets and the increasing cost of providing local services.

Helen Hirst, chief officer for the district’s CCGs, said: “We hope the ‘big conversations’ will encourage people to have their say and make a real difference to the way health and care services are run. What people tell us will have significant influence on how we plan for the future.

“There is no doubt that our health and care system is under pressure, and that there may be some difficult decisions that lie ahead. No major decisions will be made without consultation with local people, but first we need to listen to hear what really matters most.”

At its budget meeting in February, the Council approved plans to slash £16 million from adult social care over a two-year period, mainly through cutting the number of people coming into care and promoting independent living.

Councillor Val Slater, the authority’s portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, said: “What you say as part of the big conversation could make a real difference as we transform the way social care is delivered for the twenty first century and we’d encourage you to take part.”

Three consultation events will take place across the district next week, in Central Hall, Keighley, from 3pm to 5pm on Monday, at the Carlisle Business Centre in Bradford from 5.30pm to 7.30pm on Wednesday, and at the Mercure Bankfield Hotel in Bingley from 1pm to 3pm on Friday.

To register or find out more, visit healthwatchbradford.co.uk or call 01535 665258.