A BID to give local GPs, community nurses, social workers and a lay person greater control over health in West Somerset has taken a step forward.

Somerset Coast Primary Care Group's application to become a Primary Care Trust has been approved by the board of Somerset Health Authority.

Now a three month public consultation is being launched before the proposal can be put to the Secretary of State for Health.

A series of public meetings takes place next month, including at the Northfield Hotel, Minehead, on September 13 and Danesfield School, Williton, on September 27, both at 7pm.

The PCG's existing role is as a sub-committee of the health authority, leading improvements in the quality of local primary care services.

As a trust, it would be independent of the health authority and would have far greater responsibility for commissioning and paying for secondary care services.

The new PCT would also take over provision of community health services from NHS Trusts.

The health authority will consider the results of the public consultation at its meeting on October 23 and add its own comments on the PGC's ability to act as an NHS Trust.

The NHS Executive and the Secretary of State will only then be asked to decide if PCT status should be conferred.

Somerset Coast PCG chairman Dr Donal Hynes said: "It is very important that local people understand what is going on and why we want to become an NHS Trust.

"This is not merely an organisational or administrative change.

"It would lead to health and social care staff at local level taking important decisions about how health services are provided for their patients and how the health of the population can be improved.

"The NHS belongs to the people who use it and pay for it and it is vital that they have their say when such a fundamental change is proposed."

Copies of the full and summary consultation document are available in libraries, council information points, Citizens Advice Bureaux and health premises or by phoning Signposts on 0800 317220.

Comments should be sent to Mrs Jac Kelly, Chief Executive, Somerset Health Authority, Wellsprings Road, Taunton TA2 7PQ by October 18.

l West Somerset Council for Voluntary Service will provide a free door-to-door service to the meetings in Minehead and Williton for people with particular transport difficulties.

Elderly people who do not have access to transport and adults with mobility or disability problems and cannot use public transport should contact the CVS on 01643 707484 at least a week before the meeting they wish to attend.