A HOTLINE is being set up by Wyre Forest District Council to get a clearer picture on the state of Worcestershire's health service.

The authority's acute health services task force group wants patients to tell of their experiences under the county health shake-up in an attempt to assess the health situation in Worcestershire.

Information gathered will be passed on to Kidderminster and District Community Health Council and Health Watch.

The cross-party group includes members of the ruling "Rainbow Coalition" and Labour Party councillors Nigel Knowles and Michael Grinnall.

Task force chairman Liz Davies said: "We're getting inundated with stories, half of which we can't authenticate.

"We're in the process of setting up a helpline with volunteers who will have forms which can be collated.

"There is a need for co-ordination and passing on information to various bodies and also ensuring everybody has the same data."

The helpline is planned to be set up next month.

In the meantime people can ring a temporary answer phone on 01562 753590.