BOOKWORMS and other library-goers were among the first Dorset residents this year to comment on plans to reshape the county's health services.

A drop-in information session took place at Bournemouth Central Library on Wednesday, part of the ongoing consultation by NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), which is seeking residents' views on its Clinical Services Review.

The radical shake-up of services would see the Royal Bournemouth Hospital become a dedicated accident and emergency centre while Poole Hospital would focus on planned surgery and care. Community hospitals would be greatly restructured, with some closures, and changes are also proposed to GP and maternity services.

Emma Shipton, deputy director of engagement for the CCG, said: "We have had a good selection of people coming in, some of whom already know about the review, some people just happened to be in the library and heard the announcement the staff put out.

"We want everyone to have their say on something this important."

The consultation began in December and ends on February 28.

Frances Aviss, from CCG communications, said the group had even carried out a consultation with patients, charities and other groups in a bid to work out the best form for the actual consultation.

"There are an invested minority of people, but we need to reach out to the unaware majority," she said.

"We are reaching out as far and wide as we can, we want to give everyone in Dorset a chance to consider the information and have their say."

As well as documentation, leaflets and a questionnaire, which are being distributed by organisations as diverse as the Dorset Association of Parish and Town Councils and Dorset Fire and Rescue Service, the group has prepared more accessible literature and videos with guidance from groups like Bournemouth People First and Poole Forum.

Ms Shipton added: "Nothing from the consultation should be a surprise, clinicians have been designing this with local people for two years."

The review proposals are intended to counter future problems, including an ageing population, a shortage of specialist staff and rapidly rising costs. The CCG claims the changes will lead to greatly improved patient care.

Further drop-in events include Allendale House, Wimborne, on January 11, Kinson Community Centre on January 12, Emmanuel Baptist Church, Swanage, on January 17, New Milton Memorial Centre on January 18 and St Mary's, Longfleet Road, Poole, on January 19.

For more details, videos and accessibility information visit csr.dorsetsvision.nhs.uk