NHS Cheshire and Merseyside July 2026 Blog
Wednesday, 15 July 2026
On 5 July, the NHS marked 78 years of service. I want to say a huge 'thank you' to every member of staff and volunteer - past and present - who has helped to make this extraordinary organisation what it is.
Every day, NHS colleagues deliver outstanding care in new and innovative ways in line with the 10-Year Health Plan, and it was great to see this work being shared and celebrated during the NHS Birthday.
Just one example of this great work is Liverpool’s pioneering neighbourhood health model, which was named the national winner of the Neighbourhood Health Award at the NHS Excellence Awards 2026.
The initiative was recognised for its outstanding work to deliver proactive, community-based care that helps people stay well and reduces unnecessary hospital admissions.
Congratulations also to the NHS staff from across Cheshire and Merseyside recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours, for their exceptional service to patients and communities.
Their dedication reflects the very best of our health and care system, and we are incredibly proud of their achievements.
On 22 June, we welcomed NHS England’s Primary Care Medical Director Dr Claire Fuller to Cheshire and Merseyside to find out more about local neighbourhood health development.
We were proud to showcase work taking place in our neighbourhood health pioneers - Sefton and St Helens - among other examples of innovative cross-system work.
Dr Fuller spoke positively about the strength of local partnership working, praised a culture of constructive challenge and recognised our approach to digital and data.
Her feedback reinforces the progress we are making together to reshape services around the needs of local communities.
Liz Bishop
Chief Executive
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside