The inaugural meeting of the Liverpool Health Partners (LHP) Advisory Board took place last week with a virtual gathering of experts from across the world.

The newly formed board has been established to advise LHP on its core work and strategic programmes. The Board is made up of nationally and internationally respected scientists and academics. The first meeting was a virtual event that included the members from the United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Australia.

We were really looking forward to a conversation with external colleagues, each with a wealth of experience and expertise. LHP Chair Dr Neil Goodwin welcomed colleagues before we delved into reviewing the LHP strategy and membership model issues. The Advisory Board noted the significant developments of LHP in the last three years such as the establishment of its programmes, increased collaboration between NHS and academic partners, and the formation of LHP SPARK, the Single Point of Access for Research and Knowledge.

The new Advisory Board members are Enrico Coiera, Foundation Professor in Medical Informatics, Macquarie University, Australia; Brian Tjemkes Associate Professor of Strategy & Organisation, Management & Organisation, University of Amsterdam; Tom Walley CBE, Director of the Hunter Medical Research Institute in NSW, Australia; Julia Balogun, Dean of the Management School at the University of Liverpool; Sir Jonathan Michael an experienced medical leader, CEO and international consultant and Trustee of The King’s Fund and Sir Robert Lechler, Senior Vice President/Provost (Health) at King’s College London.

Dr Neil Goodwin said: “The Advisory Board members provided constructive challenges and a very useful sense-check on a range of LHP issues that will be invaluable in our strategic thinking with the LHP Board and clinical leaders.

“I am pleased that we had a very positive inaugural meeting and I look forward to LHP having an ongoing, positive relationship with the Advisory Board in the months ahead.”

Dr Dawn Lawson, Chief Executive of LHP, said: “It is a privilege to be able to draw on external experts to discuss our progress and challenges.

“The Advisory Board members were able to offer insights and advice which has helped us to think through tricky areas and surface solutions”