The first event in which frontline NHS staff have the opportunity to put forward what they would like to see from the government’s 10 Year Health Plan is set to take place in Liverpool today (11th February). NHS staff will be joined by NHS England directors to hear their views on what they think the future of the NHS should look like.

Joining today’s staff are NHS England’s chief nursing officer, Duncan Burton; chief midwifery office, Kate Brintworth, primary care medical director Dr Clare Fuller, and North West medical director for primary care, Dr Paula Cowan.

Staff have been nominated to attend across the board, including GPs, nurses, optometrists, consultants, porters, pharmacists, and more, to ensure any impact on local services is as minimal as possible.

This comes as part of the biggest listening event the NHS has ever seen, with seven nationwide public debates and a series of online staff events having already taken place, which were also about making a 10 Year Health Plan for the future. A further six listening events are scheduled through February and March, with Sheffield, Sutton, Coldfield, London, Reading, Peterborough, and Taunton to host these conversations.

Health minister Karin Smyth said: “Lord Darzi’s investigation into the state of the NHS diagnosed its ills — but our 10 Year Health Plan will be the cure.

“We can’t do this alone from Westminster. We must hear from those working on the front line and understand what is holding them back from performing at their best. Only then can we fix what’s broken, unleash staff’s true potential, and give patients the care they need.

“I urge everyone — staff, patients, and the public — to get involved with this national conversation via change.nhs.uk.”

change.nhs.uk is still live for the public to share their experiences, opinions, and ideas for shaping the NHS. It has already received 1.5 million separate visits, with over 11,000 ideas now live on the site.

Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for England, said: “Our staff know what is needed to transform the NHS and we want their views and ideas to shape the creation of the 10 year health plan.

“Every day I see how committed, ambitious, and innovative staff across the NHS and care sector are findings ways to do things differently to improve care for patients.

“The event in Liverpool is a fantastic opportunity to hear from staff about some of the solutions to the challenges we face and their ideas for change that will benefit patients and staff.

“Their views will be added to the tens of thousands of views that staff, patients, and the public have contributed so far.”