The impact of the COVID-19 public health emergency meant that a quick response to shifting priorities was essential as part of the NHS’ ongoing response and recovery to the virus. Measures had to be implemented quickly, which also meant that a new, quick and effective way of engaging with the public had to be found.

Over six virtual workshops, for a total of 18 hours, 60 Londoners, supported by clinicians from across the NHS in London, discussed and deliberated in depth the challenges and opportunities facing the NHS. The process, an inclusive approach which also involved people from marginalised communities and those worse hit by the pandemic, was supported by National Voices, Healthwatch and numerous advocacy groups.

The NHS in London has been able to listen to a group of citizens, reflective of the wider London population, to inform decisions that will be made in the next phase of the pandemic. Crucially, this work has given us considered insight into what matters most to Londoners, using emerging policy proposals like those on elective and planned care, virtual appointments and access to urgent and emergency care.

We undertook this innovative approach to fully understand how Londoners not only felt about the changes that have been put in place as part of the emergency response to COVID-19, but also their views and expectations on potential future changes.

 Download the Dialogue and Deliberation report:

London COVID-19 Deliberation Report.