THE Government launched its NHS census on Wednesday (May 31) in which the Health Minister Alan Milburn is asking everyone in the country what top three changes they think would make the service better.

Mr Milburn wrote to the Editor of the Citizen -- as well as other newspapers throughout the land -- inviting our readers to have their say.

The Citizen held its own public consultation to find out what local people thought. And the results show that folk think it is time for change.

Lack of money, waiting lists and changes in consistency throughout the service were some of the real sticking points for the people on the street.

The Government sent out 12 million leaflets yesterday for the public and NHS staff to complete and return by June 5.

But with many people unaware that the consultation is taking place or where to collect the forms from, we asked a random selection of people what they thought of the current state of the NHS.

Enid Bamber, a pensioner from Blackpool, said she was so tired of waiting for her cataract operation that she was forced to go private.

"I had to wait such a long time," she told our reporter. "In the end I decided that it would be better if I paid for the operation.

"But then I think those who can afford to pay should do."

Her sentiment was echoed by Blackpool roofer Paul Gibbons. He said: "I think there should be some sort of extra National Insurance contributions.

"If people knew the money was going to the NHS they would be more willing to spend a pound on the lottery." Miriam Gannon, 62, from St Annes, has a heart condition and says she has nothing to complain about the service she now receives -- but it has been a long time coming.

"I was with my other doctor for more than 18 months, but he completely failed to diagnose anything wrong with me, even though I told him I thought I was suffering from arthritis," she said.

"But I re-registered and my new doctor saw what the problem was almost immediately. I would like to see the same level of service for everyone everywhere."

Retired Mrs Smith from St Annes said the service was "lackadaisical" and something needed to be done about waiting times.

"I was up at the Vic the other day and I was kept waiting for more than two hours," she said. "I would have hated to have been there with children."

And finally, Citizen columnist Dr Feelgood said: "We need to restructure the salaries to pay those members of the workforce who really deserve the money because it is not a profession, it is a vocation.

"And happy staff make for happy patients."

Have YOU something to say about the NHS? Write to The Editor at The Citizen, St Annes Building, Clifton Drive North, St Annes FY 8 2NA or e-mail -- astuttard@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk