A HUGE 'ask the people' consultation drive has been launched about the proposed creation of a specialist NHS trust for St Helens, Halton, Knowsley, Warrington and Wigan and Leigh.

The people who live or work in the boroughs are to be asked for their views on plans to create a new NHS Trust. The proposals from the Local Health Authorities are to have a single trust providing a comprehensive range of services for people with mental health needs, adults with a learning disability and children and adolescents with a mental health need.

A consultation document describing the plans was published on July 2 and the official consultation period will run until Friday, September 28. There will be open public meetings throughout the areas affected by the proposals so that anyone who is interested will get the chance to find out more and ask questions.

Details will also be available at www.5boroughsconsultation.org.uk

To ensure an integrated approach to the delivery of services, the new Specialist Trust would work very closely with the Social Services and other council departments of the five boroughs concerned and with local voluntary organisations including CHCs, service user and carer organisations.

Following the consultation period a final proposal, along with all comments and views received, will be submitted to the Secretary of State for Health. If approval is granted, the Trust would be operational in April, 2002, or as soon after as is possible. It is proposed to call the new trust the 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Trust.

Project director, Laura McMurtrie said: "This proposal offers a tremendous opportunity to provide first-class services to users and their families who have not always had the attention or voice that they deserve. This is a chance to make a real difference to the quality of their lives".

Staff employed in providing and supporting these services would transfer to the new trust, as would any estates linked to the services.