Cook County health-care officials say they want the public's input on ways to improve the county's health-care system and have scheduled what they call a "listening tour."

"We are not looking to talk to the community but to listen to them," said Lucio Guerrero, spokesman for the Cook County Health and Hospitals System.

County officials said the meetings, which kicked off last week in south suburban South Holland, are designed to assist in the strategic planning process for the county health-care system. Additional meetings are scheduled this month at three Chicago locations and two suburban locations. People are encouraged to attend with suggestions.

"We need to determine what kind of services are needed but we aren't providing and what services we are providing that could be done in a different and more efficient way," said Warren Batts, co-chariman of the Cook County Health and Hospitals System's board.