Silsden and Steeton residents are being invited to become actively involved in changing the way their local medical centre operates.

Silsden Group Practice has tested a programme called "Critical Friends", which involves patients suggesting ways their medical centre can improve the care it provides to further suit their needs.

A team of practice representatives, Dr Liz Clements, practice manager Chris Glen and her deputy Janet Barker, listen to the suggestions and then meet with the group the following month to see if the ideas have been put into practice and if they work. So far, the "Critical Friends" have managed to improve the "8am telephone rush" to get a same-day appointment and patients can now order repeat prescriptions by e-mail.

Liz Wolstenholme, a "Critical Friend", said: "I have a long term illness that means I need regular non-urgent care which can easily get lost when the focus is on urgent cases. I felt that I was listened to and, more importantly, acted upon."

Another patient involved in the "Critical Friends" programme, Malcolm Long, also agreed the meetings were useful. He said: "I am a natural cynic and said from the first that I wasn't prepared to waste my time in a talking shop that led nowhere.

"But it has not been like that. Our ideas have been put into action - e-mailing repeat prescriptions for example."

The group was formed to focus on patients' suggestions following the results of an annual questionnaire, which asked for patient views on the practice.

Now, with its 2008 survey looming, the practice is looking to recruit more "Critical Friends," to further represent its 10,000 patients. It is also considering forming a virtual friends group on the Internet, to encourage more patients to get involved. People interested can call on 01535 652447 and leave their details, to attend a meeting at Silsden Health Centre, on Wednesday, January 23, at 7pm.