MENTAL health is the most important care issue people living in Widnes and Runcorn are worried about.

Research carried out by health and social care watchdog Healthwatch Halton has revealed that residents have placed mental health as their top concern in 2018, for the third year in a row.

Social care, particularly support for older people and their carers, is a close second.

Getting a GP appointment, dentists and changes to hospital services were among other concerns raised.

The lack of mental health awareness, early intervention and accessing effective and appropriate support were key themes.

The care and support available for children and young people with mental health problems was a major concern.

Healthwatch is an independent consumer champion that gathers and represents the views of the public

The health watchdog is now calling on people to talk about their experiences and suggest ways on how they believe services can be improved.

Every voice counts, they stress, when it comes to shaping the future of health and social care.

Healthwatch is launching a campaign to encourage more people to share their views.

Dave Wilson, Communication Officer of Healthwatch Halton said: “The more that people share their ideas, experiences and concerns about NHS and social care, the more services can understand when improvements are needed.

“That is why we are encouraging people to #SpeakUp in 2018 to help make services better for the people of Halton.”

During the past year, Healthwatch Halton hosted engagement events in libraries and shopping centres.

Researchers also visited hospitals, urgent care centres, care homes and community centres to hear what people had to say about their experiences of health and care services.

From these conversations, main worries over health care were collated.

In hospitals, people said that emergency care and the way discharges are handled can vary greatly.

People said that difficulties getting GP and dental appointments can prevent patients receiving the right diagnosis, treatment or referral to specialist services.

To contact Healthwatch Halton call 0300 777 6543, e-mail enquiries@healthwatchhalton.co.uk or visit healthwatchhalton.co.uk.