In October 2024, Change NHS launched a nationwide conversation to help shape a new 10-Year Health Plan for England.  Through a series of surveys and workshops 250,000 ideas from members of the public and staff were considered.

You can watch a film about this engagement here Change NHS engagement activities  and read the NHS 10 Year Health Plan here NHS England » Fit for the Future: 10 Year Health Plan for England

Here in Dorset, we played a key role in making sure local voices were heard.   As well as promoting the series of online surveys across Dorset, we worked closely with organisations across the South West to ensure that meaningful conversations were had with a wide range of people across our geography, demography and diversity, including the 9 different protected characteristic areas and the Core20PLUS5 communities.

As part of this joined up approach, Dorset delivered 17 workshops between January and February 2025, engaging with a range of people and communities including:

  • Patient and carer lived experience groups
  • The Dorset Public Engagement Group (PEG) and Digital PEG
  • Gypsy, Roma and Traveller groups
  • Armed forces veterans
  • Young people
  • Voluntary and community sector groups
  • Trusted voice champions
  • NHS staff and engagement champions

Other South West partners hosted conversations with other communities including those from coastal communities, asylum seekers and refugees, victims of modern slavery, people with autism or learning disabilities, unpaid carers, young carers, faith and belief groups, the LGBTQ+ communities, the deaf community, ethnically diverse communities, children and young people, older people, rurally isolated, digitally excluded and people with physical sensory and hidden disabilities. We shared all of our findings with each other and with NHS England.

What we talked about

The workshops focused on three big shifts to make the NHS fit for the future:

  • Making better use of technology

  • Moving more from hospital care to communities

  • Preventing sickness instead of just treating it

Participants shared honest feedback and practical ideas – from improving digital access and data security, to strengthening community-based care and prioritising mental health and prevention.

“Tonight was a perfect example of how BCP’s youth forum gives a voice to young people to talk about real issues and changes. Having discussions about the NHS 10-year plan felt tangible and meaningful!” – BCP Youth Forum Chair

Real impact

The workshops were a great opportunity to build relationships and have also supported some positive health outcomes:

  • Healthy lifestyle support was offered at workshops, including blood pressure checks and advice

  • We’re now working with the traveller community and local charities to provide blood pressure monitors and ongoing support

What’s next?

All feedback from Dorset has been shared nationally to help shape the final plan.

Feedback has also been included in an insight review of 38 engagement documents from the last 5 years. This was done to ensure that the views of local people continue to be reflected within our 5 year commissioning plan which will deliver the three shifts within the 10 year plan mentioned: Insight-report-Local-peoples-views-on-health-and-wellbeing-December-2025.pdf

Locally, we’ll continue working with communities to turn these ideas into real improvements for health and care services.

You can see a brief summary of key themes showing what you said and what we are doing:

Theme You said We’re doing
Joined-up systems and data security Make health records connected so patients don’t repeat their story – but keep data safe. Rolling out shared digital records and strengthening data security, with clear public information on privacy.
AI should help, not replace human care AI can improve efficiency, but you worry about errors and loss of empathy. Introducing AI tools only with clinical oversight and robust quality checks.
Digital inclusion matters Digital tools are useful, but not everyone can access or use them. Keeping face-to-face options, expanding digital support, and promoting multi-channel communication (SMS, NHS App).
Self-monitoring and apps are welcome – with support Apps and wearables help, but some need guidance and reassurance. Providing training and resources for patients and staff to use self-care tools confidently.
Virtual wards and appointments need safety nets Care at home is convenient, but you worry about emergencies and home adaptations. Building support systems for virtual care and ensuring rapid escalation routes for urgent needs.
Community diagnostics and pharmacy services are valued Local services save time, but people need to know they exist. Expanding community diagnostic centres and pharmacy services, alongside public awareness campaigns.
Care closer to home must be properly resourced Moving care into communities shouldn’t mean passing the buck. Investing in integrated community services and workforce training to deliver high-quality local care.
Prevention needs a holistic approach Focus on mental health, healthy lifestyles, and root causes like housing and cost barriers. Working with partners on prevention programmes, mental health support, and tackling wider determinants of health.
Voluntary and community sector (VCS) is vital VCS plays a big role but isn’t recognised enough. Strengthening partnerships with VCS organisations and integrating their services into local health plans.
Communication and transparency are key Keep us informed, show progress, and explain benefits clearly. Committing to regular updates, clear timelines, and ongoing engagement through trusted channels and community spaces.