A new campaign has been launched inviting people to share their experiences of Suffolk’s health services over social media.

Healthwatch Suffolk said its ‘#NHSSelfieStars’ campaign aims to “celebrate what is good about services and highlight where things could get better”.

The organisation, which is the county’s independent health watchdog, is using the campaign as part of its ongoing efforts to gain feedback from people about their use of local health and social care services. Information can be used to shape and influence NHS services across the county.

Selfies shared so far in the campaign have included grateful mothers thanking the midwives at Ipswich Hospital for “the amazing job they do” as well as people recovering after injuries thanking staff for the “awesome job”.

All of the stories will be added to the growing volume of data the watchdog has already gathered from local people and used to hold services to account.

A Healthwatch spokesman said: “The state of the current health and care economy means that it has never been more important to share your views about local services; even if you don’t think it will make a difference.

“The watchdog hopes that this campaign will encourage people to share their stories so that it can help health and social care professionals understand the views and experiences of people using their services and feed them into ongoing plans to change the way your services are delivered.”

People can share their experiences by taking a picture and uploading it on Instagram using the #NHSSelfieStars hash tag, or by emailing the picture, along with a comment to here.

People can also share their experiences anonymously by visiting here, where it is possible to rate and review your experience within any health or social care service in the county.

Alternatively, people can call 01449 703949 to speak with a member of the Healthwatch team.

Follow Healthwatch Suffolk on Instagram @healthwatchsuffolk to see what other people have shared about their experiences.