A LARGE survey on the health and lifestyles of people in East Lancashire will quiz 17,000 people.

Bosses at NHS East Lancashire are carrying out the survey in a bid to plan care in coming years.

Over the next couple of weeks 17,000 randomly-selected East Lancashire adults will receive a questionnaire through the post.

The selection was made via GP registered patient lists.

The survey asks questions on health, lifestyle and feelings about local communities.

The information collected will be invaluable in helping to plan health services based on the needs of local patients.

To get an accurate picture, it is important that as many people as possible who receive a questionnaire complete and return it (this is free). It is important to do this, even if people are in good health.

Dr Sohail Bhatti, interim director of public health, said: “The results of the survey will be used to help with making decisions about services to improve the health of local people.

"We want to understand more about the health of local residents and the issues which affect peoples’ health.

"We do appreciate people taking the brief time it takes to fill in the questionnaire. This will make sure that we get the best possible view of the health of local people and shape health services based on this information.

“Please help us paint an accurate picture of the health and lifestyle of local residents.”

If anyone who receives a questionnaire in the post requires assistance in completing it, they are asked to callthe research team at 0808 1443536 or email eastlancssurvey@lancashire.gov.uk