The NHS: Things That Need to Be Said

by Iain Dale

The NHS is an institution close to the hearts of most Britons. People even profess to ‘love it’. But it is now of pensionable age and, some would say, no longer fit for purpose. It isn’t possible to reform the NHS until we accept that it cannot meet every demand made of it. We need to embrace the private sector rather than belittle or restrict it. This book does not seek to denigrate or dismantle the NHS, but to identify the issues that need to be addressed head on, whichever party is in power. It will make uncomfortable reading for some.

Putting patient care and outcomes at the top of his personal manifesto for the NHS, Iain Dale slams the indecision and political dogma of successive health secretaries, but is firmly of the view that with £120 billion being spent on the NHS, it’s impossible to take politics out of it. This is a must read for anyone who works in the NHS – or who uses it. It’s time to say the things that need to be said.

Genres: Politics

112 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iain Dale mentions in the book that he was a previous Conservative party candidate and there are leanings to the political right in his arguments here. Nevertheless, this book is written in Iain Dale’s inimitable style - measured and thoughtful. A worthwhile read that may challenge some people’s long held views.

[Jonny Brick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sensible pamphlet from 2014 with plenty of first-hand experience of the NHS (the chapter about his mum's death should have been given more prominence) and a good list of discussion points at the back. Not worth £9.

[Louise Armstrong · Rating 3 out of 5]

I admire anyone who dares tackle this topic, so well done Mr Dale.

The page fell open at one of the best things he said: that when it comes to aid to poor countries, one of the most ethical things we could do is to stop poaching their best trained medical staff.

However, I didn't enjoy the book as much as I thought. His style is very emotional. He starts sentences by telling you what to think: 'What we have effectively got are the wrong skills...' It's tiring to sort out the content from the journalistic rhetoric.