THE COMMISSION for Health Improvement is set to begin a routine assessment of ambulance services on the Isle of Wight.

The 17-week review will look into the management, provision and quality of the service provided by the Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Trust.

Members of the team are also asking members of the public to contribute their views about the quality of the service.

Public meetings are being staged in Ryde on January 14, Newport on January 15 and Freshwater on January 16.

CHI chairman, Dame Deirdre Hine, said: "The patient's experience of care lies at the heart of the CHI's work. We aim to improve the standards of care by focusing on the experience of those using the NHS. We want the NHS to see itself as the patients see it. The process will sometimes be painful, but it is vital if we are to provide a better service."

Dr Peter Homa, chief executive of the CHI, said: "The ingredients needed to improve standards in the NHS are, in most cases, already there. CHI's job is to provide the impetus - the catalyst, if you will - to bring those together and encourage the determination to seek excellence."

To arrange an appointment for an individual or small group meeting, contact the CHI on 0845 601 3012 quoting Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Trust.

All information will be treated in the strictest confidence.