The roadshow seeking views on the future of the NHS has visited Wigston in Leicestershire.
More than 100 people attended the event to share their views of the NHS, talk about their experiences, and give suggestions for delivering an NHS fit for the future.
The event was attended by public health minister Andrew Gwynne and NHS England’s national director for urgent and emergency care Sarah-Jane Marsh who asked for people's opinions on NHS reform and how the government’s 10 Year Health Plan can help tackle disparities in the region.
Gwynne said: "I want to say a big thank you to so many people coming out so that you can be part of this 10 Year Health deliberation. We can’t change the NHS and make it better without you. When we say that the NHS is broken but not beaten, it’s not beaten because the staff are incredible, it is because the NHS is not where we need it to be.
"The NHS makes me proud to be British, it’s still the incredible service that was set up after the Second World War. But the NHS of 1948 is not an NHS that is fit for the future, with people living longer now and with more complex conditions.
"This opportunity allows us to recreate an NHS that’s fit for the future. Central to this is our three shifts from: hospital to community; analogue to digital; and from sickness to prevention.
"It’s exciting times and we’ve got a big task ahead. You are part of it and we can’t do it without your ideas. Let’s fix our NHS for the better."
Marsh added: "As someone with over 20 years’ experience working in the NHS in the Midlands – including almost 14 years as CEO of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital - I know how vital it is to hear from patients and their families directly, so it is truly fantastic that more than a million people have already come forward to let us know about their experiences.
"The 10 Year Health Plan is our chance to help the NHS continue to innovate and adapt, and make best practice, normal practice across the country.
"That’s why we want even more people to come forward and share their views, so if you work for the NHS or are a patient, family member or simply someone with a good idea, please share with us what we do well, what we need to do better, and your ideas for the future - we are waiting to hear from you."
Last month, the government launched a consultation, change.nhs.uk, for people to share experiences, views and ideas for fixing the NHS. The online platform has already received over one million visits with suggestions such as digital records, so records from all hospitals are available to view at all GP surgeries and pop-up/mobile clinics to meet surge demand for services in areas of need.
