A MAJOR new initiative has been launched which could lead to an overhaul of local health care.

East Lancashire residents are being asked to contribute to a huge consultation into improving health, called Choosing Health?.

And everyone is being asked to take part and give their views on the current system and how it could be improved.

Elaine Michele, public health specialist for Blackburn with Darwen Primary Care Trust and the borough council, said: "Your health, if you actually think about it, is one of the most important things in life.

"What we really want is for local people to let us know what they think the big issues are, what they think about the approach we are taking and what they would like to see in the future.

"We know what we think ought to be looked at but we want to know what local people think the priorities should be."

To find out what local residents think, the area's three primary care trusts have asked residents to give their views and suggestions.

In East Lancashire health is improving overall and there has been a reduction in deaths from circulatory diseases and cancer over the last few years but premature death rates for adults are still about a fifth higher than in the country as a whole.

And two people die every week in Blackburn with Darwen from lung cancer which in the vast majority of cases is caused directly by smoking.

All three PCTs are now seeking feedback on the public's views on diet and nutrition, physical activity, obesity, accidents, sexual health, tobacco, mental health, alcohol misuse and health inequalities.

People who would like their views to be taken into consideration should call the East Lancashire Public Health Network on 01254 356800 and ask for a questionnaire or write to Dr Jim Paris, Director of Public Health at Blackburn with Darwen Primary Care Trust, Guide Business Centre, School Lane, Blackburn BB1 2QH and tell him what they think.