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Nick Clegg visits Chelsea and Westminster for first NHS ‘listening event’

28 April 2011

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg visited Chelsea and Westminster Hospital on Wednesday 27 April for the first listening event on NHS modernisation exclusively for patients.

Photo: Nick Clegg chats to a patient on the Stroke Unit

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg visited Chelsea and Westminster Hospital on Wednesday 27 April for the first listening event on NHS modernisation exclusively for patients.

He also met patients and staff during a tour of the hospital including the Stroke Unit and the new Outpatients Department.

Following the tour, Mr Clegg and Care Services Minister Paul Burstow met more than 30 patients from the local area including Foundation Trust Governors to hear their views and discuss modernisation plans.

They were joined by Professor Steve Field who is Chair of the NHS Future Forum which will drive engagement in the ongoing listening exercise.

The Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Health Secretary recently announced that the Government would use the natural break in the parliamentary timetable to pause, reflect and improve upon their proposals to modernise the NHS and safeguard it for the future.

Speaking after the event, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: “I’ve learnt a lot today about how the public feels about our changes to the NHS and I’m confident that by taking this chance to pause and really engage with staff and patients, we can ensure that we modernise the NHS to improve the health service for everyone.”

Care Services Minister Paul Burstow added: “This is the first listening exercise I’ve been able to take part in and I’d like to thank the patients who took the time today to share their views with us.”

Patients at the listening event with Nick Clegg and Paul Burstow Dr Michael Pelly talks to Care Services Minister Paul Burstow and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg on the Stroke Unit