THE public is being asked to help select ideas to improve NHS care.

Ideas have been suggested by staff at Dorset HealthCare to improve local services – and bosses are encouraging the public help to choose the best ones.

The call comes as Dorset HealthCare runs its Dragons’ Den staff innovation competition, with £10,000 available to support proposals which will directly benefit patients, carers and staff.

Projects put forward span community and mental health services and more, and have been shortlisted to a top 10.

Members of the public and fellow NHS staff are now being asked to pick their three favourites by 5pm on Friday, February 24, with the most popular going through to the final, on March 30.

As in the BBC show, the finalists will explain their plans in more detail and pitch for cash to make them a reality.

To see a full run-down of the entries, and vote for the ones you like best, visit www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/dragons-den.

Last year’s 2022 competition attracted more than 1,300 votes.

Along with two outright winners, a further seven projects were provided with additional development funding, bringing the final grant total up to almost £25,000.

Leader of the panel of ‘Dragons’ will be trust chair, Andy Willis.

He said: “All of us were incredibly impressed with the quality of the finalists last year and we were able to find the extra money to support the fabulous innovative ideas.

“We’re already seeing the positive impact these projects can have on people’s lives, so I would urge people to read through the shortlist and vote for their favourites.”