THE Royal Blackburn and Burnley General hospitals will tomorrow launch a ‘public engagement’ campaign to gather suggestions on how services can be improved.

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust has been in special measures since July, and the ‘Tell Ellie’ initiative is seen as a key part of the organisation’s revival.

The scheme will see a trailer visiting major towns, making it easier for members of the public to give their views.

It will be launched outside the Town Hall in Blackburn tomorrow, from 10am to 2pm, with further events planned for Colne, Nelson, Accrington, Darwen, Rawtenstall, Clitheroe and Burnley.

Jim Birrell, interim chief executive, said: “We really want to instil a sense of ownership. The trust belongs to the people in the local area so we want to hear from you and we will respond to your suggestions and comments. Ellie, which stands for East Lancashire Listens, Involves and Engages, will make it much easier for the public to get involved.

“We wanted to make our engagement campaign as clear and accessible as possible so it is supported by a short film that people can watch online explaining what we are doing, why we are doing it, and how people can give us their views on the way services are run in their trust.

“People can phone, write or contact us through our website and social media platforms.”

For more details see: www.tellellie.nhs.uk