questionnaire PATIENTS are being urged to share their experiences of health care in the south of the county.

So far, 300 out of 850 have filled out the detailed questionnaires from the South West Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust on services provided by GPs, hospitals and clinics.

The trust is urging people to respond before the end of this month.

Participants will be asked about their experience of waiting times, how well the health professional explained any proposed treatment and medical tests or medicines, and the experience of being referred on to another medical professional.

Patients can call a Freephone number -- 0800 3285317 -- to ask about the survey or to seek help in filling it in.

Patients are also asked what they think should be done to improve health services.

"Last year over 50 per cent of those who were sent the questionnaire took the trouble to fill it in and return it," said Jean Bradlow, the PCT's Director of Public Health.

"The results were good news for the PCT overall -- the PCT was rated highly on a number of areas and compared very well with other PCTs nationally.

She added: "This year's survey is a chance for patients to tell us whether we have maintained the areas already valued by patients and improved those services that received a lower score by patients last year.

"We know this is a very effective way of getting essential information from patients that can help us reshape our services for the better. And the whole process is completely confidential."

The survey is being undertaken by Patient Dynamics, an independent research company commissioned by the PCT to send the questionnaire to a random selection of patients picked from local GP lists. A reply-paid envelope is included.

Patients are reassured, said the PCT, that every questionnaire returned will be used to highlight areas of concern.

The survey is part of the NHS Patient Survey Programme, which is operated by the Commission for Health Improvement and covers acute trusts, primary care trusts, mental health, ambulance trusts and others.

Pottery show A TWO-WEEK exhibition devoted to five acclaimed potters continues at the West Oxfordshire Arts Centre in Bampton until April 18.

Slipstream -- Contemporary Slipware features the varied work of Clive Bowen, Nigel Lambert, Sean Miller, Richard Phethean and Mark Titchiner.

Opening hours at the centre's Gallery are 10.30am to 12.30pm and 2 to 4pm from Tuesdays to Saturdays, and 2-4pm on Sundays. Garage fire FIREFIGHTERS dealt with a small fire in a garage at the rear of shops at The Fairway, Banbury, on Sunday.