NHS England is today asking patients, public and NHS staff to help shape the future of urgent and emergency care services.

Professor Sir Bruce Keogh’s Urgent and Emergency Care Review was announced in January this year. Its aim is to develop a national framework to build a safe, more efficient system, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Those using and working in the NHS have from 17 June to 11 August to feedback on an evidence base for change and emerging principles that will guide the Review, also published today.

The terms of reference, evidence base and emerging principles, along with details on how to contribute and get your views heard, are all on the NHS England website.

This Review is just one part of a national approach to improving the way NHS services are delivered so that patients get high quality care from an NHS that is efficient now and secure for future generations.

Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, National Medical Director for NHS England, said:

“The Urgent and Emergency Care Review has provided us with an excellent opportunity to improve the way we offer care between our hospitals, primary and community care and social services.

“We have seen clear improvement in A&E performance across the country coming into the summer, but the issues will not just simply go away.

“Over the past few months, we have been building an evidence base of guidance, reports and data to inform our review – and it is clear that the way we currently deliver urgent and emergency care needs to change.

“A compelling case for change can only be built on evidence and, while not always comfortable reading, it is the only way to have a truly honest discussion. We must keep pace with medical progress and make sure everyone has the best chance of receiving the most appropriate care.

“We now need to hear your views on our work so far, and what you want from your local health services to ensure high quality and safe care in the right place and at the right time for those who need it.”

The Review Steering Group is chaired by Professor Keith Willett, National Director for Domain Three: Acute Episodes of Care, with representation from professional bodies, a patient and public organisation, providers and commissioning organisations.

Professor Keith Willett, National Director for Acute Episodes of Care for NHS England, said:

“At its heart, this review is about bringing together the expertise from across the health and care system to determine how best to organise emergency care in future.

“We know that A&E is the pinch point of the health and care system and that staff are working very hard to provide the care they know the public need.

“To relieve the pressure and design a system that is sustainable and fit to meet future challenges, we need as many patients, doctors, nurses and NHS colleagues as possible to get involved.”

The Urgent and Emergency Care Review will develop a national framework and associated guidance for clinical commissioning groups in 2015/16 to help them commission consistent, high quality urgent and emergency care services across the country within the resources available.

For the short term, NHS England has already announced plans to strengthen performance in urgent and emergency care across the country to help hospital A&E departments meet demand and tackle waiting time pressures.

Please note that comments submitted on this page will not be added to the review.  To take part in the review, please complete our questionnaire.