At our inaugural meeting led by Annie Laverty, executive director of people, at the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Helen Bevan who is acknowledged globally for her expertise and energy for large scale improvement in health and care, there really was a clear commitment and enthusiasm in the room for change.
Samantha Allen, chief executive, of the ICB was joined by Professor Sir Liam Donaldson, chair, Sir James Mackey, chief executive, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Dame Jackie Daniel, chief executive, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Alice Wiseman, Director for Public Health, Gateshead Council for a panel question and answer session.
A focused agenda really helped to establish clear priorities and ideas to push forward work for improvement across our health and care system and address key issues identified. The whole room was truly very moved by the story of 17 year old Samuel, who lost his life to suicide, told by his mum Suzanne. There is simply more we can and must do collectively to join up and support those who need help the most at a time when they need it most.
A clear priority from the day widely recognised by participants is the need to learn from and improve the experiences of our young people with mental health needs, this was identified as the top priority to be addressed.
You can watch the highlights here:
