Patients in Suffolk are being encouraged to sign a form to enable their records to be shared with other health professionals if necessary.

This will be one of themes of the annual Feet on the Street event on August 29 organised by the Ipswich and East Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

GPs and health staff will be on the ground in various locations across Ipswich, Felixstowe, Stowmarket, Hadleigh and Aldeburgh speaking with members of the public.

Pauline Quinn, the CCG’s lay member for patient and public involvement, said one of the aims was to develop a greater public understanding of how agreeing to share their GP record with other clinicians like an A&E doctor or paramedic could be a lifesaving decision, as well as dispelling any myths about a loss of confidentiality.

There will also be the chance to learn more about the work that has taken place over the last year to help the NHS meet its financial challenges.

Feedback will be sought on a proposed new campaign to encourage people to buy medicine over the counter rather than on prescription.

Ms Quinn added: “The NHS in east Suffolk has come a long way since last year’s Feet on the Street event, with the ideas and thoughts contributed offering real help and support.

“Face to face conversation is undoubtedly one of the most effective ways of getting people’s views on their NHS, and I hope people will take time to stop and talk with us. We really need your input to effectively shape local services over the coming years.”