Help shape the future of the NHS in Derby and Derbyshire

People in Derby and Derbyshire are being invited to help shape the future of local and regional NHS services.

Workshop meetings are to be held in Derby and online on three separate dates up to and including 5th February.

People will be able to share their own experiences and ideas for improvement, speak to local health leaders and hear how national plans are being implemented locally. People's views and ideas will be used to help inform local NHS plans for the next five years.

The workshops are being held in partnership between Healthwatch Derbyshire, Healthwatch Derby and NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board.

They are being organised to provide a local Derby and Derbyshire response to the government's "Change NHS" consultation on the future of the NHS.

In Derby and Derbyshire, the local NHS wants to go further and using this moment as an opportunity to maintain and build ongoing relationships and conversations with local people.

Dr Chris Clayton, NHS Derby and Derbyshire chief executive, said: "We want the future of NHS services in Derby and Derbyshire to be shaped by the views and ideas of the people who live here.

"Part of our role as an NHS organisation is to understand the health needs of local people and to listen to their experiences of using the NHS – whether that's in a GP practice, a pharmacy, a hospital, or anywhere else.

"We listen to patients and communities over many services and issues, so we have a lot of information already.

"We want to use these workshops to check in with local people over what they have told us already and to see how that fits with the government's proposals for change and our own local plans."

Helen Henderson, chief executive Healthwatch Derbyshire, said: "These workshops are a fantastic opportunity for people to have their say on the future of NHS services in Derbyshire, and we’d encourage everyone using healthcare services to get involved. 

“It’s important that the voices of local people who use services are heard. Whether it’s sharing what’s working well or suggesting new ideas for improvement, your input is essential in creating a healthcare system that truly meets the needs of our community.

“This is your chance to share your ideas that could make a real difference in how services are delivered. We believe that by working together, we can create a healthcare system that is more responsive, effective, and inclusive. Not just now, but for the future."

Jim Moore, Healthwatch Derby chief executive, said: "These local workshops will help us get feedback about local people experiences of NHS services and their hopes for the future. 

"We want to ensure that local people's views to help shape the future of healthcare in our city now and in the long term."

The government's plan for the future of the NHS will be published in spring 2025 and will be underpinned by three key "shifts", hospital to community, analogue to digital and sickness to prevention

The meeting details are: 

• 22nd January | 1pm – 3pm | Derby Conference Centre Book your place
• 30th January | 1pm – 3pm | St Thomas Church, Chesterfield Book your place
• 5th February | 6pm – 8pm | Online via Teams Book your place

Further detail is available on the Derbyshire Involvement website.