Frontline NHS staff and directors working in the North West  will gather in Liverpool today to discuss the future of the NHS.

The event is the first in a series of gatherings aimed at allowing NHS workers to help shape the government’s 10-year health plan.

The discussions were led by independent mediators, with senior NHS figures in attendance to listen to the staff’s views.

NHS England’s chief nursing officer, Duncan Burton; chief midwifery officer, Kate Brintworth; primary care medical director Dr Clare Fuller; and North West medical director for primary care, Dr Paula Cowan, all attended the event.

The staff, nominated to ensure minimal impact on local services, come from a wide range of professions including GPs, nurses, optometrists, consultants, porters, pharmacists, and more.

Mr Burton 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 finding 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."

This event is part of the 'biggest listening project in the NHS's history', following seven nationwide public debates and a series of online staff events last year.

The aim is to create a 10-year plan to make the NHS fit for future generations.

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."

Other key figures in the NHS also shared their thoughts on the importance of these listening events.

Ms Brintworth said: "It’s vital that midwives, obstetricians, neonatologists, maternity support workers and others working in maternity and neonatal services have their voices heard to help improve our services for mums, babies and families.

“We want to hear your experiences, including the good, bad, and sometimes frustrating.

"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve the NHS for patients, service users and our staff.

Dr Fuller said: "As a GP, I’m well aware that it’s NHS staff on the frontline that see the good, the bad and the ugly of our NHS day in and day out and have no shortage of views on what could change for the better.

“Many of the solutions that will enable us to deliver the care we all want for patients are already out there in parts of the NHS.

“As we look to shift care from our hospitals into the community, the views of frontline staff living and working in these communities will be invaluable.”

Six more listening events are planned across the country, in Sheffield, Sutton Coldfield, London, Reading, Peterborough, and Taunton, with dates set for February and March.