A former Bradford policeman is one of dozens of people across the district who will be keeping a watchful eye on local health services.

Rashid Awan, 66, of Allerton, has been recruited as a volunteer to the country's new network of Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Forums - the first scheme of its kind in Europe.

Mr Awan joined 100 other forum members from across England at an event in London last week to hear health minister Rosie Winterton tell them how the new bodies will give the public a strong voice in decisions which affect their health.

In Bradford forums have been set up for every health trust, with a minimum of seven members for each organisation.

Their role will be to monitor the work of the trusts, raise concerns and ensure the NHS takes proper account of the views of the public and patients locally. They will be required to meet in public six times a year.

Mr Awan, who retired 12 years ago from West Yorkshire Police and has since worked for a number of voluntary organisations across the district, is one of nine people who have been recruited to Bradford South and West Primary Care Trust's forum.

"I do not see the forum as some sort of intrusion into the work of the Trust," he said.

"I see it as a constructive partnership between the public, patients and the Trust."

He said he believed the forum would create more awareness of health issues and services available in local communities, particularly the ethnic-minority communities.

"I feel very strongly that the NHS is one of the best but there is room for improvement," he said.

"There will always be some way we can make it better, and that is exactly what the forum will do."

Sharon Grant, chairman of the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health, said: "The PPI forums will ensure that the public has an independent voice when it comes to healthcare and decisions that affect their health. The whole concept of independent public involvement in health is a vital part of the 21st century citizenship and democracy agendas.

"Now that the forums are in place, we are going to see a true shift in power in local and national decision making and a far greater sharing of information between patients, the public and decision makers."

The network of 572 PPI forums began work in December following a four-month recruitment campaign.

Recruitment continues and will focus on ensuring the forums are as representative of their local communities as possible.

People interested in becoming a PPI forum member are being invited to call 0845 120 7115 for an application pack, or visit www.maketimeforhealth.org.