Dave West @ HSJ
@davewwest.bsky.social
Deputy Editor of Health Service Journal. News on the English health and care system, its policy, performance and leadership.
https://www.hsj.co.uk/dave-west/2231.contributor?page=1
https://www.hsj.co.uk/dave-west/2231.contributor?page=1
Reposted by Dave West @ HSJ
New data from #PublicHealth Wales shows early life really shapes long-term health—15% of children born in 2022 were already overweight by age 2. Feeding practices and early environments make a huge difference. If we support families better, we build a healthier Wales.
🔗 phw.nhs.wales/news/new-dat...
🔗 phw.nhs.wales/news/new-dat...
New data analysis highlights opportunities to prevent childhood obesity in Wales
phw.nhs.wales
January 22, 2026 at 10:14 AM
New data from #PublicHealth Wales shows early life really shapes long-term health—15% of children born in 2022 were already overweight by age 2. Feeding practices and early environments make a huge difference. If we support families better, we build a healthier Wales.
🔗 phw.nhs.wales/news/new-dat...
🔗 phw.nhs.wales/news/new-dat...
Reposted by Dave West @ HSJ
Excl: NHSE “urgently” reviewing home birth services
Comes as @hsj.co.uk investigation reveals widespread fragility and safety risks — including concerns highlighted by multiple coroners
Warning follows deaths of Jennifer & Agnes Cahill
w/@alijanemoore.bsky.social www.hsj.co.uk/patient-safe...
Comes as @hsj.co.uk investigation reveals widespread fragility and safety risks — including concerns highlighted by multiple coroners
Warning follows deaths of Jennifer & Agnes Cahill
w/@alijanemoore.bsky.social www.hsj.co.uk/patient-safe...
Revealed: Urgent review ordered after deaths in fragile maternity services
NHS England has ordered trusts to "urgently" review their home birth services, it has emerged - as an HSJ investigation reveals widespread fragility and safety risks.
www.hsj.co.uk
January 20, 2026 at 8:02 AM
Excl: NHSE “urgently” reviewing home birth services
Comes as @hsj.co.uk investigation reveals widespread fragility and safety risks — including concerns highlighted by multiple coroners
Warning follows deaths of Jennifer & Agnes Cahill
w/@alijanemoore.bsky.social www.hsj.co.uk/patient-safe...
Comes as @hsj.co.uk investigation reveals widespread fragility and safety risks — including concerns highlighted by multiple coroners
Warning follows deaths of Jennifer & Agnes Cahill
w/@alijanemoore.bsky.social www.hsj.co.uk/patient-safe...
Reposted by Dave West @ HSJ
January 15, 2026 at 5:01 PM
CEO forced out by chair wins £1.4m settlement
from @zoetidman.bsky.social
www.hsj.co.uk/countess-of-...
from @zoetidman.bsky.social
www.hsj.co.uk/countess-of-...
Exclusive: CEO forced out by chair wins £1.4m settlement
A trust has agreed a £1.4m settlement with its former chief executive, who was forced out of her role in a coordinated campaign by its then chair and other directors, HSJ has learned.
www.hsj.co.uk
January 15, 2026 at 3:24 PM
CEO forced out by chair wins £1.4m settlement
from @zoetidman.bsky.social
www.hsj.co.uk/countess-of-...
from @zoetidman.bsky.social
www.hsj.co.uk/countess-of-...
Exclusive: CEO forced out by chair wins £1.4m settlement
www.hsj.co.uk/countess-of-...
www.hsj.co.uk/countess-of-...
Exclusive: CEO forced out by chair wins £1.4m settlement
A trust has agreed a £1.4m settlement with its former chief executive, who was forced out of her role in a coordinated campaign by its then chair and other directors, HSJ has learned.
www.hsj.co.uk
January 15, 2026 at 3:23 PM
Exclusive: CEO forced out by chair wins £1.4m settlement
www.hsj.co.uk/countess-of-...
www.hsj.co.uk/countess-of-...
Reposted by Dave West @ HSJ
DHSC published its impact statement for the 10 Year Health Plan this week (yes, that is 6 months after it published the plan)
It's more measured and clear-eyed than the original document and quite a contrast to some of the effusive optimism in the plan
Some of the things that caught my eye 👇
It's more measured and clear-eyed than the original document and quite a contrast to some of the effusive optimism in the plan
Some of the things that caught my eye 👇
January 15, 2026 at 10:25 AM
DHSC published its impact statement for the 10 Year Health Plan this week (yes, that is 6 months after it published the plan)
It's more measured and clear-eyed than the original document and quite a contrast to some of the effusive optimism in the plan
Some of the things that caught my eye 👇
It's more measured and clear-eyed than the original document and quite a contrast to some of the effusive optimism in the plan
Some of the things that caught my eye 👇
Indications that the flu in 2025, though infections started spreading early, was substantially less deadly than the last two years. That
Covid deaths continue to broadly halve each year, with around 5,000 in 2025 (10k in 2024, 17k in 2023, 33k in 2022).
Despite flu season arriving early, overall death rates in each of the last 6 weeks of 2025 were lower than earlier years. Deaths involving flu/pneumonia were lower than in 2022-24.
Despite flu season arriving early, overall death rates in each of the last 6 weeks of 2025 were lower than earlier years. Deaths involving flu/pneumonia were lower than in 2022-24.
January 15, 2026 at 9:15 AM
Indications that the flu in 2025, though infections started spreading early, was substantially less deadly than the last two years. That
Reposted by Dave West @ HSJ
For all of those who
- think we are still in the middle of a raging pandemic 😷
- believe conspiracies about the covid vaccines 🤡
I have some more data for you to ignore or explain away
- think we are still in the middle of a raging pandemic 😷
- believe conspiracies about the covid vaccines 🤡
I have some more data for you to ignore or explain away
The CMI has released its analysis of 2025 mortality in England & Wales.
Death rates for 2025 were nearly 2% lower than 2024, the previous record low.
Death rates improved (i.e. fell) for both sexes and in all age groups between 2024 and 2025.
Death rates for 2025 were nearly 2% lower than 2024, the previous record low.
Death rates improved (i.e. fell) for both sexes and in all age groups between 2024 and 2025.
January 15, 2026 at 8:05 AM
For all of those who
- think we are still in the middle of a raging pandemic 😷
- believe conspiracies about the covid vaccines 🤡
I have some more data for you to ignore or explain away
- think we are still in the middle of a raging pandemic 😷
- believe conspiracies about the covid vaccines 🤡
I have some more data for you to ignore or explain away
Reposted by Dave West @ HSJ
This will hack off some boards who have been desperately trying to reduce costs while believing it was what they were being asked to prioritise.
Oof - Streeting accuses "some parts" of the NHS of having "oversteered" on reducing deficits and are therefore "underdelivering on elective activity" (Ie not cutting waiting lists fast enough)
Wes Streeting is so far majoring on patient power and choice, enabled by tech, in speech at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk - favoured Nye Bevan quote today is (a modified version of) "a public megaphone will be put in the mouth of every complainant"
January 13, 2026 at 9:20 AM
This will hack off some boards who have been desperately trying to reduce costs while believing it was what they were being asked to prioritise.
Reposted by Dave West @ HSJ
Wes Streeting at the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk puts great emphasis on NHS modernisation (against opposition), patient power, technology, and prevention. "The job of listening to patients can't be farmed out to an arms length body" ie HW
@davewwest.bsky.social @stuarthoddinott.bsky.social
@davewwest.bsky.social @stuarthoddinott.bsky.social
January 13, 2026 at 9:16 AM
Wes Streeting at the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk puts great emphasis on NHS modernisation (against opposition), patient power, technology, and prevention. "The job of listening to patients can't be farmed out to an arms length body" ie HW
@davewwest.bsky.social @stuarthoddinott.bsky.social
@davewwest.bsky.social @stuarthoddinott.bsky.social
Reposted by Dave West @ HSJ
Good confidence that the NHS flu bed count will continue its fall this week. This counts positive tests (NOIDS causative agents report) and tends to be a decent leading indicator.
January 12, 2026 at 9:23 PM
Good confidence that the NHS flu bed count will continue its fall this week. This counts positive tests (NOIDS causative agents report) and tends to be a decent leading indicator.
Oof - Streeting accuses "some parts" of the NHS of having "oversteered" on reducing deficits and are therefore "underdelivering on elective activity" (Ie not cutting waiting lists fast enough)
Wes Streeting is so far majoring on patient power and choice, enabled by tech, in speech at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk - favoured Nye Bevan quote today is (a modified version of) "a public megaphone will be put in the mouth of every complainant"
January 13, 2026 at 8:58 AM
Oof - Streeting accuses "some parts" of the NHS of having "oversteered" on reducing deficits and are therefore "underdelivering on elective activity" (Ie not cutting waiting lists fast enough)
Wes Streeting is so far majoring on patient power and choice, enabled by tech, in speech at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk - favoured Nye Bevan quote today is (a modified version of) "a public megaphone will be put in the mouth of every complainant"
January 13, 2026 at 8:46 AM
Wes Streeting is so far majoring on patient power and choice, enabled by tech, in speech at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk - favoured Nye Bevan quote today is (a modified version of) "a public megaphone will be put in the mouth of every complainant"
A (positive) pre-Christmas flu update, thanks to UKHSA for publishing a day early
RSV (mostly affects the very young and very old) at a fairly high rate & some signs it is still rising, though
RSV (mostly affects the very young and very old) at a fairly high rate & some signs it is still rising, though
December 24, 2025 at 2:50 PM
A (positive) pre-Christmas flu update, thanks to UKHSA for publishing a day early
RSV (mostly affects the very young and very old) at a fairly high rate & some signs it is still rising, though
RSV (mostly affects the very young and very old) at a fairly high rate & some signs it is still rising, though
Reposted by Dave West @ HSJ
Flu numbers barely changed since last week and still in the medium band. Of course it is still possible that it spikes higher over the Christmas period but that doesn't seem the most likely outcome. Admissions with flu are considerably lower than 2022/23 peak.
December 18, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Flu numbers barely changed since last week and still in the medium band. Of course it is still possible that it spikes higher over the Christmas period but that doesn't seem the most likely outcome. Admissions with flu are considerably lower than 2022/23 peak.
Some more assessment of this from over on LinkedIn
December 16, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Some more assessment of this from over on LinkedIn
Reposted by Dave West @ HSJ
On the latest episode of the HSJ Health Check Podcast:
Nuffield Trust policy experts @markgdayan.bsky.social and @sjanereed.bsky.social join Anabelle Collins and @davewwest.bsky.social to share lessons from their research about the abolition of NHS England.
🎧 Listen 👇
Nuffield Trust policy experts @markgdayan.bsky.social and @sjanereed.bsky.social join Anabelle Collins and @davewwest.bsky.social to share lessons from their research about the abolition of NHS England.
🎧 Listen 👇
HSJ Podcast: How to abolish NHS England
This week we bring you the latest in our series of HSJ Health Check podcasts tracking the development of the government's planned Health Bill.
www.hsj.co.uk
December 12, 2025 at 11:24 AM
On the latest episode of the HSJ Health Check Podcast:
Nuffield Trust policy experts @markgdayan.bsky.social and @sjanereed.bsky.social join Anabelle Collins and @davewwest.bsky.social to share lessons from their research about the abolition of NHS England.
🎧 Listen 👇
Nuffield Trust policy experts @markgdayan.bsky.social and @sjanereed.bsky.social join Anabelle Collins and @davewwest.bsky.social to share lessons from their research about the abolition of NHS England.
🎧 Listen 👇
Reposted by Dave West @ HSJ
Given the govt's comittment to a) shift care from treatment to prevention and b) shift spending away from hospitals, its hard to justify the decision to keep spending on public health flat for the next three years when the NHS will see real terms spending growth
Prevention shift ‘left behind’ as budgets are held flat
Public health allocations are due to be held flat in real terms for three years, despite the government's intended "shift from treatment to prevention".
www.hsj.co.uk
December 12, 2025 at 8:17 AM
Given the govt's comittment to a) shift care from treatment to prevention and b) shift spending away from hospitals, its hard to justify the decision to keep spending on public health flat for the next three years when the NHS will see real terms spending growth
Reposted by Dave West @ HSJ
Indeed. What do you think @davidjbuck.bsky.social ?
Given the govt's comittment to a) shift care from treatment to prevention and b) shift spending away from hospitals, its hard to justify the decision to keep spending on public health flat for the next three years when the NHS will see real terms spending growth
Prevention shift ‘left behind’ as budgets are held flat
Public health allocations are due to be held flat in real terms for three years, despite the government's intended "shift from treatment to prevention".
www.hsj.co.uk
December 12, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Indeed. What do you think @davidjbuck.bsky.social ?
Reposted by Dave West @ HSJ
"A challenge unlike any since the pandemic" - really?
Have we all forgotten about December 2022?
Ambulance response times for category 2 emergencies like heart attacks and strokes hit 92 minutes on average! The target is 18 mins.
Yesterday's data says 32 minutes.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Have we all forgotten about December 2022?
Ambulance response times for category 2 emergencies like heart attacks and strokes hit 92 minutes on average! The target is 18 mins.
Yesterday's data says 32 minutes.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
December 12, 2025 at 7:22 AM
"A challenge unlike any since the pandemic" - really?
Have we all forgotten about December 2022?
Ambulance response times for category 2 emergencies like heart attacks and strokes hit 92 minutes on average! The target is 18 mins.
Yesterday's data says 32 minutes.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Have we all forgotten about December 2022?
Ambulance response times for category 2 emergencies like heart attacks and strokes hit 92 minutes on average! The target is 18 mins.
Yesterday's data says 32 minutes.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Dave West @ HSJ
I've got to say, I'm not sure why this has become such a big media story. I might be wrong but my current view is that it's overblown. Flu arrived early, which is why it's breaking 'time of year' records, but it's only in the medium threshold and could peak lower than last year, let alone 2022-23.
December 11, 2025 at 4:24 PM
I've got to say, I'm not sure why this has become such a big media story. I might be wrong but my current view is that it's overblown. Flu arrived early, which is why it's breaking 'time of year' records, but it's only in the medium threshold and could peak lower than last year, let alone 2022-23.
Reposted by Dave West @ HSJ
Finally, it's worth saying that actuaries typically use a different measure of life expectancy which is forward looking, but more subjective. This has NOT recovered from the pandemic - we remain more pessimistic about the outlook for future mortality rates than we were before.
December 11, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Finally, it's worth saying that actuaries typically use a different measure of life expectancy which is forward looking, but more subjective. This has NOT recovered from the pandemic - we remain more pessimistic about the outlook for future mortality rates than we were before.
Reposted by Dave West @ HSJ
Drilling deeper there is lots going on below the headline statistics. Life expectancy in Scotland is 2 years lower than UK average. Across UK, life expectancy has improved for pensioners but has not recovered from the pandemic for younger people.
I'll save more detailed analysis for future posts.
I'll save more detailed analysis for future posts.
December 11, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Drilling deeper there is lots going on below the headline statistics. Life expectancy in Scotland is 2 years lower than UK average. Across UK, life expectancy has improved for pensioners but has not recovered from the pandemic for younger people.
I'll save more detailed analysis for future posts.
I'll save more detailed analysis for future posts.
Reposted by Dave West @ HSJ
ONS focus on 3-year periods, the latest ending 2022-24.
My chart instead looks at the individual years. This paints a different picture. The impact of the pandemic is sharper but so is the subsequent recovery. Life expectancy in 2024 had fully recovered back to the high point seen in 2019.
My chart instead looks at the individual years. This paints a different picture. The impact of the pandemic is sharper but so is the subsequent recovery. Life expectancy in 2024 had fully recovered back to the high point seen in 2019.
December 11, 2025 at 4:33 PM
ONS focus on 3-year periods, the latest ending 2022-24.
My chart instead looks at the individual years. This paints a different picture. The impact of the pandemic is sharper but so is the subsequent recovery. Life expectancy in 2024 had fully recovered back to the high point seen in 2019.
My chart instead looks at the individual years. This paints a different picture. The impact of the pandemic is sharper but so is the subsequent recovery. Life expectancy in 2024 had fully recovered back to the high point seen in 2019.
Reposted by Dave West @ HSJ
Life expectancy in the UK has recovered to pre-pandemic levels.
Yesterday, ONS released the latest National Life Tables and analysis of life expectancy in the UK.
This is so called "period life expectancy", an objective but necessarily backwards-looking calculation.
www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopula...
Yesterday, ONS released the latest National Life Tables and analysis of life expectancy in the UK.
This is so called "period life expectancy", an objective but necessarily backwards-looking calculation.
www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopula...
December 11, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Life expectancy in the UK has recovered to pre-pandemic levels.
Yesterday, ONS released the latest National Life Tables and analysis of life expectancy in the UK.
This is so called "period life expectancy", an objective but necessarily backwards-looking calculation.
www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopula...
Yesterday, ONS released the latest National Life Tables and analysis of life expectancy in the UK.
This is so called "period life expectancy", an objective but necessarily backwards-looking calculation.
www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopula...