Average adults in England are likely to need 1,330 prescriptions in their lifetime, according to statistics from the Department of Health, recently released.

In addition, an adult is likely to make 31 visits to hospital accident and emergency departments and take 12 ambulance journeys. Most people in England will use NHS services some 2,153 times before they die.

However, only 22 percent of the population have had an active say in the way they would like their health care service to develop, the DoH said. At the same time, 60 percent of 848 people questioned on behalf of the department in an Ipsos MORI poll last month, revealed they would like to help shape future services if there were a simple way to get involved.

The Government used the statistics to remind the public that Local Involvement Networks (LINKs), which are set up in every local authority district in England, provide an opportunity for people to influence service development.

Health secretary Andy Burnham said; “Our health and care services must reflect the needs of the community they serve. This is essential at a time when the NHS must make sure that it is improving quality at the same time as value”.