A NHS commissioning group has invited the public to scrutinise its performance, amid nurse strikes and stretched accident and emergency care.

West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and staff from Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow will be at a series of events entitled My Health, My Future, My Say to provide an update on a five-year plan for improvements. 

Last week, Princess Alexandra Hospital apologised to a man who was treated in a medical cupboard for three days due to a shortage of beds.

Earlier in the month, accident and emergency staff struggled to deal with an “unprecedented volume of acute patients” and urged non-emergency patients to stay away from the hospital.

Nurses have also organised a day of strike action against a four-year pay freeze next Thursday.

Dr Rob Gerlis, chair of West Essex CCG, said it was important to “listen and to act” on local suggestions.

He said: “We want people to feel confident that they can influence the services that will affect them, their friends and family, now, and in the years to come, as well as challenge us when they feel services aren’t meeting their needs.”

Clare Morris, chief officer of West Essex CCG, added: “The NHS belongs to the people and so everything we do must reflect local people’s needs."

They will appear on February 9 at Waltham Abbey Town Hall in Highbridge Street and February 26 at Epping Hall in St Johns Road.

Each event has a 7pm start and will run for two hours.

If you are unable to attend and want information contact the patient advice and liaison service on 01992 566122/3 or email weccg.comments@nhs.net.

The five year strategic plan for West Essex Health and Care System can be seen here.