PEOPLE in Dorset want better access to GPs and dentists in 2018, Healthwatch Dorset has stated.

Revealing their health and care priorities for 2018, the organisation said they had collected the views and experiences of more than 4,000 residents on health and social care services in Dorset.

And access to primary care - GPs and dentists - was identified as the number one issue.

Residents also wanted better mental health services and raised issues with children and young people's wellbeing and the proposed hospital and community service changes following the Dorset Clinical Services Review last year.

Nationally, the top five priorities people want Healthwatch to investigate are mental health services, adult social care, service changes, hospital care and access to GP and dental services.

Joyce Guest, Healthwatch Dorset Chai,r 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 people across Dorset."

Imelda Redmond, National Director of Healthwatch England, said: "We want to see all working in health and social care to make it their personal New Year’s resolution for 2018 to work with people as partners in designing the future of services.

"Healthwatch helps improve care by making sure services hear people’s views - what is working for you and what is not. As we approach the 70th birthday of the NHS, if anyone has a story they want to share or an idea they think might help, I urge them to get involved and speak to their local Healthwatch."

The #SpeakUp campaign launched on January 4, 2018.