LEADING health professionals descended on York for the second stage of a major NHS review.

The city was chosen to host the landmark event, which was one of nine to take place across the country.

More than 100 clinicians and patients attended York Racecourse yesterday to give their view on the state of health services in Yorkshire and the Humber.

The first round of consultation took place last September, when the regional review - called Our NHS, Our Future - was launched at the Royal York Hotel.

Eight clinical pathway groups, focusing on the eight areas of birth, children, staying healthy, long-term conditions, acute episode, planned care, mental health and end of life care, were set up - and yesterday they took their findings back to the conference room.

Professor Chris Welsh, who is leading the review in Yorkshire and Humber, said: "The event was an opportunity to test some of the ideas that are emerging from our clinical groups with patients and the public.

"This review is looking at how we can best improve NHS services for a generation, I'm very impressed with the work that has already been done and I'm pleased to see so many people here today providing their feedback on some of these early ideas.

"Their views will help shape our regional vision document that will be published later in the spring."

More than 1,000 people across the country joined in similar discussions as part of the review, which is being led on a national level by Lord Ara Darzi, a leading surgeon and minister at the Department of Health.

He said: "This review is all about engaging with patients, public and staff to shape the NHS for the 21st century. I am determined that this will be developed and owned by patients, public and staff together.

"We have challenged everyone to identify the right local solutions for improving the NHS."

Anybody who was not at the conference who would like to have their say can log on to www.nhs.uk/ournhs