Leonora Merry
@leonoramerry.bsky.social
Director of Comms & External Affairs at Nuffield Trust (@nuffieldtrust.org.uk). Advisory Group, Science Media Centre. Co-founder WonkComms (https://bsky.app/profile/wonkcomms.bsky.social). Mum of 👧🧒 👦. SE Londoner. Views: mine!
Reposted by Leonora Merry
There's a new workforce plan on the way for the NHS in England. But what's needed to make it a success?
That's what my latest blog considers 👇
The NHS has a history of setting plans that are rightly ambitious but which fail to live up to the hype - there's much to reflect on and learn from 🧵(1/6)
That's what my latest blog considers 👇
The NHS has a history of setting plans that are rightly ambitious but which fail to live up to the hype - there's much to reflect on and learn from 🧵(1/6)
Plan B: What the forthcoming NHS workforce strategy should not ignore
As the government prepares to publish a new 10-year NHS workforce plan, questions remain about how to build a realistic and sustainable approach to staffing the health service. This long read by Lucin...
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk
November 6, 2025 at 4:41 PM
There's a new workforce plan on the way for the NHS in England. But what's needed to make it a success?
That's what my latest blog considers 👇
The NHS has a history of setting plans that are rightly ambitious but which fail to live up to the hype - there's much to reflect on and learn from 🧵(1/6)
That's what my latest blog considers 👇
The NHS has a history of setting plans that are rightly ambitious but which fail to live up to the hype - there's much to reflect on and learn from 🧵(1/6)
Important piece here from Sally and LSE's Huseyin Naci, which sets out a different perspective to the vocal calls for the UK Govt to spend more on branded medicines. Well worth a read for anyone trying to make sense of the current drug pricing row
Trump and pharma are lobbying gov hard to water-down the NHS’s ability to contain spending on new branded drugs. Today’s long read from me and the LSE’s Huseyin Naci sets out why the gov should hold firm to protect the health of the NHS and UK public nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/th... >>
The tough choices at the heart of the government’s dispute with big pharma
The government has been locked in a dispute with pharmaceutical companies for a number of months over how much the NHS pays for new branded medicines. Sally Gainsbury and Huseyin Naci set out the issu...
nuffieldtrust.org.uk
October 8, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Important piece here from Sally and LSE's Huseyin Naci, which sets out a different perspective to the vocal calls for the UK Govt to spend more on branded medicines. Well worth a read for anyone trying to make sense of the current drug pricing row
The brilliant @theasrstein.bsky.social on the elephant in the room about the NHS - facing trade offs about what *isn’t* possible when the limits of what *could be* possible are endless. At our #Lab25 fringe with @kiranstacey.bsky.social @lewisatkinson.bsky.social & @kingsfundlibrary.bsky.social
September 30, 2025 at 12:00 PM
The brilliant @theasrstein.bsky.social on the elephant in the room about the NHS - facing trade offs about what *isn’t* possible when the limits of what *could be* possible are endless. At our #Lab25 fringe with @kiranstacey.bsky.social @lewisatkinson.bsky.social & @kingsfundlibrary.bsky.social
Reposted by Leonora Merry
Just re-sharing this superlative, timely and important report from @nuffieldtrust.org.uk
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/research/ass...
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/research/ass...
Assisted dying in practice: International experiences and implications for health and social care
Exploring 15 jurisdictions across the world, this is the most detailed look to date at what the UK can learn from other countries as the UK and Scottish Parliaments debate bills to legalise assisted d...
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk
September 25, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Just re-sharing this superlative, timely and important report from @nuffieldtrust.org.uk
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/research/ass...
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/research/ass...
Reposted by Leonora Merry
Thea Stein's riposte to Wes Streeting's comments on R4 about the league tables and our commentary here: linkedin.com/feed/update/....
Meanwhile I'm mulling a new tagline for the next rebrand: "Elitist nonsense for better healthcare". Has a ring to it.
Meanwhile I'm mulling a new tagline for the next rebrand: "Elitist nonsense for better healthcare". Has a ring to it.
This morning the government unveiled new league tables for all providers across the NHS. Interviewed on Radio 4 this morning, Secretary of State Wes Streeting described our concern that league tables…...
This morning the government unveiled new league tables for all providers across the NHS. Interviewed on Radio 4 this morning, Secretary of State Wes Streeting described our concern that league tables ...
linkedin.com
September 9, 2025 at 11:13 AM
Thea Stein's riposte to Wes Streeting's comments on R4 about the league tables and our commentary here: linkedin.com/feed/update/....
Meanwhile I'm mulling a new tagline for the next rebrand: "Elitist nonsense for better healthcare". Has a ring to it.
Meanwhile I'm mulling a new tagline for the next rebrand: "Elitist nonsense for better healthcare". Has a ring to it.
This morning the government unveiled new league tables for all providers across the NHS. Interviewed on Radio 4 this morning, Secretary of State Wes Streeting described our concern that league tables…...
This morning the government unveiled new league tables for all providers across the NHS. Interviewed on Radio 4 this morning, Secretary of State Wes Streeting described our concern that league tables ...
linkedin.com
September 9, 2025 at 10:55 AM
Thea Stein's riposte to Wes Streeting's comments on R4 about the league tables and our commentary here: linkedin.com/feed/update/....
Meanwhile I'm mulling a new tagline for the next rebrand: "Elitist nonsense for better healthcare". Has a ring to it.
Meanwhile I'm mulling a new tagline for the next rebrand: "Elitist nonsense for better healthcare". Has a ring to it.
Reposted by Leonora Merry
We’re 2 weeks out from the Lords debate on #AssistedDying, so now is the time to start thinking in more detail about how this service would actually work if it becomes legal.
Great to have Nuffield Trust researchers out on the airwaves sharing insights from other countries today.
Great to have Nuffield Trust researchers out on the airwaves sharing insights from other countries today.
NEW REPORT: We present new evidence on who accesses #AssistedDying across 9 countries where it is legal, and lessons based on challenges other countries have had with resources, staffing, access and infrastructure for the service. 🌎
buff.ly/KCaVwEG
buff.ly/KCaVwEG
Assisted dying in practice: International experiences and implications for health and social care
Exploring 15 jurisdictions across the world, this is the most detailed look to date at what the UK can learn from other countries as the UK and Scottish Parliaments debate bills to legalise assisted…
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk
August 29, 2025 at 9:06 AM
We’re 2 weeks out from the Lords debate on #AssistedDying, so now is the time to start thinking in more detail about how this service would actually work if it becomes legal.
Great to have Nuffield Trust researchers out on the airwaves sharing insights from other countries today.
Great to have Nuffield Trust researchers out on the airwaves sharing insights from other countries today.
Absolutely brilliant job here for a top notch researcher/policy analyst. Join our fantastic team and work on some of the most pressing issues facing public policy in the UK today 👇. Please share with your networks!
Do you have a track record of producing top quality research and policy analysis?
We are looking to recruit a Senior Fellow to lead on projects across a range of topics within health and care. 👇
#ResearchJobs #ThinkTankJobs #recruiting
We are looking to recruit a Senior Fellow to lead on projects across a range of topics within health and care. 👇
#ResearchJobs #ThinkTankJobs #recruiting
Senior Fellow (SF05/25)
We are looking to recruit a Senior Fellow to lead on projects across a range of topics within health and care.
buff.ly
August 11, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Absolutely brilliant job here for a top notch researcher/policy analyst. Join our fantastic team and work on some of the most pressing issues facing public policy in the UK today 👇. Please share with your networks!
Reposted by Leonora Merry
We've updated our explainer on doctors' pay in England 👨⚕️
It includes this analysis of real-terms changes to resident doctors' pay since 2010/11.
We also explore longer-term trends in doctors' pay, and how it compares with the wider economy and UK countries.
Read the explainer: buff.ly/sFnmx8x
It includes this analysis of real-terms changes to resident doctors' pay since 2010/11.
We also explore longer-term trends in doctors' pay, and how it compares with the wider economy and UK countries.
Read the explainer: buff.ly/sFnmx8x
July 23, 2025 at 9:33 AM
We've updated our explainer on doctors' pay in England 👨⚕️
It includes this analysis of real-terms changes to resident doctors' pay since 2010/11.
We also explore longer-term trends in doctors' pay, and how it compares with the wider economy and UK countries.
Read the explainer: buff.ly/sFnmx8x
It includes this analysis of real-terms changes to resident doctors' pay since 2010/11.
We also explore longer-term trends in doctors' pay, and how it compares with the wider economy and UK countries.
Read the explainer: buff.ly/sFnmx8x
Reposted by Leonora Merry
A must-read on the underlying problems of a life sciences strategy based on selling more (and more expensive) stuff to the NHS, and an NHS plan which envisages saving £££ through efficiencies and prevention. It doesn't add up.
NEW: A long read from @sallygainsbury.bsky.social examines a conundrum for policy makers: How can the NHS meet public demand while also positioning the NHS as an engine for economic growth? www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/an...
An engine for economic growth? Why it won’t be a piece of cake for the NHS
With the newly published Life Sciences Sector Plan coming soon after the 10 Year Health Plan for England, Sally Gainsbury reflects on the government’s gamble on the NHS as a driver of economic growth ...
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk
July 17, 2025 at 12:26 PM
A must-read on the underlying problems of a life sciences strategy based on selling more (and more expensive) stuff to the NHS, and an NHS plan which envisages saving £££ through efficiencies and prevention. It doesn't add up.
If you read nothing else on the life sciences strategy and ten year heath plan, read this. Beautifully written, clearly argued and really important thinking from the brilliant @sallygainsbury.bsky.social 👇
NEW: A long read from @sallygainsbury.bsky.social examines a conundrum for policy makers: How can the NHS meet public demand while also positioning the NHS as an engine for economic growth? www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/an...
An engine for economic growth? Why it won’t be a piece of cake for the NHS
With the newly published Life Sciences Sector Plan coming soon after the 10 Year Health Plan for England, Sally Gainsbury reflects on the government’s gamble on the NHS as a driver of economic growth ...
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk
July 18, 2025 at 5:34 AM
If you read nothing else on the life sciences strategy and ten year heath plan, read this. Beautifully written, clearly argued and really important thinking from the brilliant @sallygainsbury.bsky.social 👇
A decade working with @nigel-edwards.bsky.social drummed into me the importance of thinking about the theory of change sitting underneath major policy reform. So it was a pleasure to have him back to the @nuffieldtrust.org.uk as a guest blogger to reflect on the recent Ten Year Health Plan 👇
The 10 Year Health Plan is full of ideas, but how will they happen?
Former Nuffield Trust chief executive @nigel-edwards.bsky.social has looked at what held back past reforms - a clear theory of change and humility about what central directives can achieve will be key if this plan is to succeed.
Former Nuffield Trust chief executive @nigel-edwards.bsky.social has looked at what held back past reforms - a clear theory of change and humility about what central directives can achieve will be key if this plan is to succeed.
Has the 10 Year Plan failed to learn lessons from history?
In this guest blog, Nigel Edwards argues that the new 10 Year Plan has plenty of good ideas, but the past would tell us that it’s a lot easier to suggest such ideas than to implement them, not least w...
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk
July 16, 2025 at 8:32 PM
A decade working with @nigel-edwards.bsky.social drummed into me the importance of thinking about the theory of change sitting underneath major policy reform. So it was a pleasure to have him back to the @nuffieldtrust.org.uk as a guest blogger to reflect on the recent Ten Year Health Plan 👇
Reposted by Leonora Merry
How might our chances of realising the 10 year vision for health be improved if politicians were to campaign to 'Save our District Nurses' rather than 'Hands off our Hospitals'? A few reflections from me in @hsj.co.uk
www.hsj.co.uk/policy-and-r...
www.hsj.co.uk/policy-and-r...
Politicians must stop their unthinking defence of hospital care
To fulfil the 10-Year Health Plan's vision of a community-centric service, politicians and local leaders will need to align their actions and engage collectively with the communities for whom this mat...
www.hsj.co.uk
July 15, 2025 at 4:08 PM
How might our chances of realising the 10 year vision for health be improved if politicians were to campaign to 'Save our District Nurses' rather than 'Hands off our Hospitals'? A few reflections from me in @hsj.co.uk
www.hsj.co.uk/policy-and-r...
www.hsj.co.uk/policy-and-r...
Reposted by Leonora Merry
The 10 Year Health Plan is full of ideas, but how will they happen?
Former Nuffield Trust chief executive @nigel-edwards.bsky.social has looked at what held back past reforms - a clear theory of change and humility about what central directives can achieve will be key if this plan is to succeed.
Former Nuffield Trust chief executive @nigel-edwards.bsky.social has looked at what held back past reforms - a clear theory of change and humility about what central directives can achieve will be key if this plan is to succeed.
Has the 10 Year Plan failed to learn lessons from history?
In this guest blog, Nigel Edwards argues that the new 10 Year Plan has plenty of good ideas, but the past would tell us that it’s a lot easier to suggest such ideas than to implement them, not least w...
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk
July 16, 2025 at 1:56 PM
The 10 Year Health Plan is full of ideas, but how will they happen?
Former Nuffield Trust chief executive @nigel-edwards.bsky.social has looked at what held back past reforms - a clear theory of change and humility about what central directives can achieve will be key if this plan is to succeed.
Former Nuffield Trust chief executive @nigel-edwards.bsky.social has looked at what held back past reforms - a clear theory of change and humility about what central directives can achieve will be key if this plan is to succeed.
Reposted by Leonora Merry
Interesting push by the IfG. From the anecdotal evidence I've heard, the new government rules effectively banning civil servants and many others from speaking at public events is causing utter chaos within many parts of the civil service.
We at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk have coordinated a letter in @thetimes.com today in which numerous individuals and organisations call on the government to withdraw its mistaken rules which are having a serious chilling effect on civil servants speaking in public…
July 14, 2025 at 9:04 AM
Interesting push by the IfG. From the anecdotal evidence I've heard, the new government rules effectively banning civil servants and many others from speaking at public events is causing utter chaos within many parts of the civil service.
Reposted by Leonora Merry
💯 This is a weirdly retrograde rule that makes government less responsive and adaptable. Would be good to see quick movement on this.
We at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk have coordinated a letter in @thetimes.com today in which numerous individuals and organisations call on the government to withdraw its mistaken rules which are having a serious chilling effect on civil servants speaking in public…
July 14, 2025 at 9:50 PM
💯 This is a weirdly retrograde rule that makes government less responsive and adaptable. Would be good to see quick movement on this.
Reposted by Leonora Merry
🆕 Q&A: With the new 10 Year Plan for the #NHS featuring a central role for neighbourhood health teams, we spoke to @theasrstein.bsky.social about what they are and what needs to happen for them to be successful.
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/ne...
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/ne...
Neighbourhood health teams: a Q&A with Thea Stein
With the new 10 Year Plan for the NHS featuring a central role for neighbourhood health teams, we spoke to Thea Stein about what they are and what needs to happen for them to be successful.
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk
July 15, 2025 at 8:36 AM
🆕 Q&A: With the new 10 Year Plan for the #NHS featuring a central role for neighbourhood health teams, we spoke to @theasrstein.bsky.social about what they are and what needs to happen for them to be successful.
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/ne...
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/ne...
Reposted by Leonora Merry
Exactly this. It’s a ridiculous and counter-productive move
And for those inside government who are suggesting nothing has changed - *it has*, whether intended or not ⬇️
And for those inside government who are suggesting nothing has changed - *it has*, whether intended or not ⬇️
I was at a conference week before last - civil servants withdrawn as speakers at the last minute - just left confusion and an opportunity to bash the Government from a group who are vital to implement a policy and need to be onside. Madness.
Story tonight about our joint open letter to The Times
We’re calling for the guidance that is preventing civil servants from participating in public and stakeholder events to be withdrawn
www.thetimes.com/article/2e4f...
We’re calling for the guidance that is preventing civil servants from participating in public and stakeholder events to be withdrawn
www.thetimes.com/article/2e4f...
July 13, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Exactly this. It’s a ridiculous and counter-productive move
And for those inside government who are suggesting nothing has changed - *it has*, whether intended or not ⬇️
And for those inside government who are suggesting nothing has changed - *it has*, whether intended or not ⬇️
Thanks to @drhannahwhite.bsky.social & @alexgathomas.bsky.social for coordinating this.
Story tonight about our joint open letter to The Times
We’re calling for the guidance that is preventing civil servants from participating in public and stakeholder events to be withdrawn
www.thetimes.com/article/2e4f...
We’re calling for the guidance that is preventing civil servants from participating in public and stakeholder events to be withdrawn
www.thetimes.com/article/2e4f...
![In their letter the think tanks describe the new rules as a "mistake", saying that
"effective government" relies on public servants hearing directly from businesses, charities and citizens to help them make better policy. They warned: "They should be able to explain government activity to those same groups. It the guidance] is causing confusion and a chilling effect on public discussion. The government should withdraw it."](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:omxdpil26ujygcgfuel3otja/bafkreiayylan4f5f3sccymqebad2uhkr4tjc2lz7tf5lqynxkedurvcpeq@jpeg)
July 13, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Thanks to @drhannahwhite.bsky.social & @alexgathomas.bsky.social for coordinating this.
Reposted by Leonora Merry
TODAY: Listen to @sallygainsbury.bsky.social talk about the 10 Year Health Plan on Inside Health.
9:30am on BBC Radio 4 and later on BBC Sounds.
Listen here 👇
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
9:30am on BBC Radio 4 and later on BBC Sounds.
Listen here 👇
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Radio 4 - Listen Live - BBC Sounds
Listen live to BBC Radio 4 on BBC Sounds
www.bbc.co.uk
July 8, 2025 at 7:24 AM
TODAY: Listen to @sallygainsbury.bsky.social talk about the 10 Year Health Plan on Inside Health.
9:30am on BBC Radio 4 and later on BBC Sounds.
Listen here 👇
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
9:30am on BBC Radio 4 and later on BBC Sounds.
Listen here 👇
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Tune in now to hear our Senior Policy Analyst @sallygainsbury.bsky.social talking on BBC R4’s Inside Health on the 10 Year Health plan
July 8, 2025 at 8:39 AM
Tune in now to hear our Senior Policy Analyst @sallygainsbury.bsky.social talking on BBC R4’s Inside Health on the 10 Year Health plan
Lots of takes on the NHS plan today and I encourage you to read them all, esp those from @becksfisher.bsky.social , @theasrstein.bsky.social @jessrmorley.bsky.social, Jennifer Dixon. So I won't add to them. But I will say this: why oh why make a PDF 2 columns when 99.9% of people will read online 😡
July 7, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Lots of takes on the NHS plan today and I encourage you to read them all, esp those from @becksfisher.bsky.social , @theasrstein.bsky.social @jessrmorley.bsky.social, Jennifer Dixon. So I won't add to them. But I will say this: why oh why make a PDF 2 columns when 99.9% of people will read online 😡
Reposted by Leonora Merry
In both print and online versions of today’s @financialtimes.com, our Chief Executive @theasrstein.bsky.social says the vision behind the 10 Year Health Plan is the right one. The ambition for England’s NHS is clear, but it will be harder to achieve.
www.ft.com/content/eeff...
www.ft.com/content/eeff...
NHS plan is long on the ‘what’ and short on the ‘how’
The vision of community healthcare is right but marred by the belief it will save money
www.ft.com
July 5, 2025 at 9:51 AM
In both print and online versions of today’s @financialtimes.com, our Chief Executive @theasrstein.bsky.social says the vision behind the 10 Year Health Plan is the right one. The ambition for England’s NHS is clear, but it will be harder to achieve.
www.ft.com/content/eeff...
www.ft.com/content/eeff...
Reposted by Leonora Merry
It's been a landmark day for the NHS. But what does it all mean?
We asked @becksfisher.bsky.social, Director of Research and Policy
We asked @becksfisher.bsky.social, Director of Research and Policy
July 3, 2025 at 4:29 PM
It's been a landmark day for the NHS. But what does it all mean?
We asked @becksfisher.bsky.social, Director of Research and Policy
We asked @becksfisher.bsky.social, Director of Research and Policy
Reposted by Leonora Merry
NEW: Read the response from @theasrstein.bsky.social to the announcement today of the 10 Year Health Plan for England. @nuffieldtrust.org.uk
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/nu...
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/nu...
Nuffield Trust response to the NHS 10 Year Plan
Thea Stein responds to the NHS 10 Year Plan.
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk
July 3, 2025 at 10:39 AM
NEW: Read the response from @theasrstein.bsky.social to the announcement today of the 10 Year Health Plan for England. @nuffieldtrust.org.uk
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/nu...
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/nu...