People living in Swindon and Wiltshire are being encouraged to give their views on the state of health and care in their area.

The Our Health Our Future Panel is a virtual arena in which people of all ages and backgrounds are invited to give honest, constructive feedback on a range of topics through regular surveys and focus groups.

Hundreds of members took part in a survey which sought to gauge how they felt about the pandemic.

It is hoped the panel will reach 1,000 members before the next survey is due to take place later this month.

While 90 per cent of respondents said they felt healthy, around a third admitted to feeling lonely during the initial lockdown period and around one in 10 said they found it difficult to access the care they needed during the lockdown.

Two thirds said that they would be happy to replace a face-to-face consultation with one that takes place over the phone or by videocall.

But many said that virtual appointments would be less appropriate when discussing mental health concerns.

The lockdown had not stopped people from accessing routine care.

To join the Our Health Our Future Panel, visit www.junglegreenmrc.co.uk/panel