Samantha Wathen
@samanthajwathen.bsky.social
Press/Media Officer for Keep Our NHS Public and Operations for Frontline19. Occasional bylines on the NHS. Passionate about mental health support for HCPs. Once got to say Hold the front page. Own views, obvs.
Pinned
Humans, not heroes, are holding our NHS together — NHS Million
Government neglect and underfunding over the last ten years has contributed to a situation that is untenable and the actions of those in power continue to make working in the NHS extremely challenging...
www.nhsmillion.co.uk
I wrote this piece for @nhsmillion.bsky.social in 2022, but it's sadly still true.
"The only thing holding the NHS together is its staff who somehow manage to find that inner strength to come in and face the enormous challenges posed day after day after day"
www.nhsmillion.co.uk/blog/2022/1/...
"The only thing holding the NHS together is its staff who somehow manage to find that inner strength to come in and face the enormous challenges posed day after day after day"
www.nhsmillion.co.uk/blog/2022/1/...
The word "COVID" doesn't appear once in the govts 10 year plan for health, says economist @mrmarkethomas.bsky.social from the @99organisation.bsky.social in parliament just now.
How can you make an economic plan while ignoring something so monumental?
"Ignoring COVID is a serious flaw."
How can you make an economic plan while ignoring something so monumental?
"Ignoring COVID is a serious flaw."
November 11, 2025 at 5:27 PM
The word "COVID" doesn't appear once in the govts 10 year plan for health, says economist @mrmarkethomas.bsky.social from the @99organisation.bsky.social in parliament just now.
How can you make an economic plan while ignoring something so monumental?
"Ignoring COVID is a serious flaw."
How can you make an economic plan while ignoring something so monumental?
"Ignoring COVID is a serious flaw."
Reposted by Samantha Wathen
zackpolanski.bsky.social sitting in a committee meeting room waiting for a discussion on the NHS 10 year plan. I was inspired to join the green party. It's time for positive change. 💚
November 11, 2025 at 5:20 PM
zackpolanski.bsky.social sitting in a committee meeting room waiting for a discussion on the NHS 10 year plan. I was inspired to join the green party. It's time for positive change. 💚
Reposted by Samantha Wathen
Our co-chair @drtonyosullivan.bsky.social said:
"Failure to provide managerial support means experienced clinicians giving up their patient-facing time to fill management gaps and keep systems going. It is yet another impact of over 15 years of underfunding."
morningstaronline.co.uk/article/nhs-...
"Failure to provide managerial support means experienced clinicians giving up their patient-facing time to fill management gaps and keep systems going. It is yet another impact of over 15 years of underfunding."
morningstaronline.co.uk/article/nhs-...
NHS staff ‘forced to plug gaps that should be filled by skilled admin staff’
FRONT-LINE NHS staff are being forced to plug gaps that should be filled by skilled admin staff and managers, a think tank has warned.The King’s Fund said that there is now a “near record low” number ...
morningstaronline.co.uk
November 11, 2025 at 8:57 AM
Our co-chair @drtonyosullivan.bsky.social said:
"Failure to provide managerial support means experienced clinicians giving up their patient-facing time to fill management gaps and keep systems going. It is yet another impact of over 15 years of underfunding."
morningstaronline.co.uk/article/nhs-...
"Failure to provide managerial support means experienced clinicians giving up their patient-facing time to fill management gaps and keep systems going. It is yet another impact of over 15 years of underfunding."
morningstaronline.co.uk/article/nhs-...
Reposted by Samantha Wathen
Casual reminder that the myth of “pulling yourself up by your bootstraps” is a cruel hoax designed to convince poor people from all walks of life that the injustices they face are a result of their own actions, rather than an oppressive system rigged against them.
November 10, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Casual reminder that the myth of “pulling yourself up by your bootstraps” is a cruel hoax designed to convince poor people from all walks of life that the injustices they face are a result of their own actions, rather than an oppressive system rigged against them.
Weirdly, those who attack people for not wearing a poppy - or for wearing a white one - and those who’ve forgotten who we fought and why, are the perfect intersection on a Venn diagram.
November 9, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Weirdly, those who attack people for not wearing a poppy - or for wearing a white one - and those who’ve forgotten who we fought and why, are the perfect intersection on a Venn diagram.
Reposted by Samantha Wathen
Iodine, UK policy and brain growth: a question of intelligence
While we fixate on AI, government has neglected natural intelligence: iodine, crucial for children's brains and their future potential
@drpetetaylor.bsky.social @centralbylines.co.uk
While we fixate on AI, government has neglected natural intelligence: iodine, crucial for children's brains and their future potential
@drpetetaylor.bsky.social @centralbylines.co.uk
Iodine, UK policy and brain growth: a question of intelligence
While we fixate on AI, government has neglected natural intelligence: iodine, crucial for children's brains and their future potential
centralbylines.co.uk
November 8, 2025 at 12:32 PM
Iodine, UK policy and brain growth: a question of intelligence
While we fixate on AI, government has neglected natural intelligence: iodine, crucial for children's brains and their future potential
@drpetetaylor.bsky.social @centralbylines.co.uk
While we fixate on AI, government has neglected natural intelligence: iodine, crucial for children's brains and their future potential
@drpetetaylor.bsky.social @centralbylines.co.uk
Weekend vibes.
November 8, 2025 at 12:05 PM
Weekend vibes.
Reposted by Samantha Wathen
🗣️ | “The decision to deny healthcare workers a free Covid vaccine this year is irresponsible and extremely short-sighted."
Our statement on NHS staff being denied a free Covid vaccine ⬇️
dauk.org/denying-nhs-...
Our statement on NHS staff being denied a free Covid vaccine ⬇️
dauk.org/denying-nhs-...
Covid vaccine decision 'irresponsible and short-sighted' | DAUK
DAUK says the decision not to offer NHS staff Covid vaccines this winter is ‘irresponsible and extremely short-sighted’.
dauk.org
November 7, 2025 at 6:41 PM
🗣️ | “The decision to deny healthcare workers a free Covid vaccine this year is irresponsible and extremely short-sighted."
Our statement on NHS staff being denied a free Covid vaccine ⬇️
dauk.org/denying-nhs-...
Our statement on NHS staff being denied a free Covid vaccine ⬇️
dauk.org/denying-nhs-...
This is a vital but overlooked area of health policy.
Well done to my good friend @drpetetaylor.bsky.social for raising this issue and campaigning to change things.
WHO says this is a real cause for concern, & we lag behind most of the world. Govt must act to protect health of future generations.
Well done to my good friend @drpetetaylor.bsky.social for raising this issue and campaigning to change things.
WHO says this is a real cause for concern, & we lag behind most of the world. Govt must act to protect health of future generations.
While we fixate on AI, government has neglected natural intelligence: iodine, crucial for children's brains and their future potential | Dr Peter Taylor
Iodine, UK policy and brain growth: a question of intelligence
While we fixate on AI, government has neglected natural intelligence: iodine, crucial for children's brains and their future potential
centralbylines.co.uk
November 7, 2025 at 6:17 PM
This is a vital but overlooked area of health policy.
Well done to my good friend @drpetetaylor.bsky.social for raising this issue and campaigning to change things.
WHO says this is a real cause for concern, & we lag behind most of the world. Govt must act to protect health of future generations.
Well done to my good friend @drpetetaylor.bsky.social for raising this issue and campaigning to change things.
WHO says this is a real cause for concern, & we lag behind most of the world. Govt must act to protect health of future generations.
Reposted by Samantha Wathen
We were thrilled to present at the @rcn.org.uk RCNi Nursing Live conference in Birmingham this week.
Our founder & CEO @clairegoodwinfee.bsky.social spoke about the benefits of peer support and highlighted the work we do in providing free counselling to frontline healthcare staff.
Our founder & CEO @clairegoodwinfee.bsky.social spoke about the benefits of peer support and highlighted the work we do in providing free counselling to frontline healthcare staff.
November 7, 2025 at 3:22 PM
We were thrilled to present at the @rcn.org.uk RCNi Nursing Live conference in Birmingham this week.
Our founder & CEO @clairegoodwinfee.bsky.social spoke about the benefits of peer support and highlighted the work we do in providing free counselling to frontline healthcare staff.
Our founder & CEO @clairegoodwinfee.bsky.social spoke about the benefits of peer support and highlighted the work we do in providing free counselling to frontline healthcare staff.
Do you think that in 2025 we could maybe stop making mothers feel somehow abnormal for not having a vaginal delivery?
Many of us already feel like we've failed in some way. This is why.
Many of us already feel like we've failed in some way. This is why.
November 7, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Do you think that in 2025 we could maybe stop making mothers feel somehow abnormal for not having a vaginal delivery?
Many of us already feel like we've failed in some way. This is why.
Many of us already feel like we've failed in some way. This is why.
This was sadly to be expected under the Tories, but the fact that we're STILL HERE now under a Labour govt is inexcusable.
And yes, they have had time.
And yes, they have had time.
November 7, 2025 at 10:32 AM
This was sadly to be expected under the Tories, but the fact that we're STILL HERE now under a Labour govt is inexcusable.
And yes, they have had time.
And yes, they have had time.
Reposted by Samantha Wathen
Thrilled to be in Seoul learning about the fantastic Korean Neonatal Network; bringing data to life for newborn care! @nnrdbase.bsky.social @neonatalnursesuk.bsky.social @enewborninrd.bsky.social @europerinatal.bsky.social @99nicu.bsky.social
November 7, 2025 at 6:46 AM
Thrilled to be in Seoul learning about the fantastic Korean Neonatal Network; bringing data to life for newborn care! @nnrdbase.bsky.social @neonatalnursesuk.bsky.social @enewborninrd.bsky.social @europerinatal.bsky.social @99nicu.bsky.social
Reposted by Samantha Wathen
Residents’ strike action for pay and jobs in England begins at 7am on 14 November until 06.59am on 19 November.
Check the dates, times and locations for your nearest BMA picket line 👇
www.bma.org.uk/our-campaign...
See you there 💪 #PayRestoration #EndTrainingCrisis
Check the dates, times and locations for your nearest BMA picket line 👇
www.bma.org.uk/our-campaign...
See you there 💪 #PayRestoration #EndTrainingCrisis
November 6, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Residents’ strike action for pay and jobs in England begins at 7am on 14 November until 06.59am on 19 November.
Check the dates, times and locations for your nearest BMA picket line 👇
www.bma.org.uk/our-campaign...
See you there 💪 #PayRestoration #EndTrainingCrisis
Check the dates, times and locations for your nearest BMA picket line 👇
www.bma.org.uk/our-campaign...
See you there 💪 #PayRestoration #EndTrainingCrisis
Reposted by Samantha Wathen
The annual harvest for Michael Fabricant’s hair has just begun in Gloucestershire today.
November 6, 2025 at 10:07 AM
The annual harvest for Michael Fabricant’s hair has just begun in Gloucestershire today.
Reposted by Samantha Wathen
"Jab at the Hut"
November 6, 2025 at 7:16 AM
"Jab at the Hut"
Worked in a day centre for adults with learning disabilities for 5 years. They are home for some people, and the service users are family.
I hate what parts of this country have become.
I hate what parts of this country have become.
Who said “Reform Councillors are all as dodgy AF”❗️
Lancashire’s Reform-run council plans to turf old ppl out closing 5 council-run care homes & 5 day centres to sell off the land for £4 million
And get this - a cabinet member owns a private care company with his wife so could make £’s from it
1
Lancashire’s Reform-run council plans to turf old ppl out closing 5 council-run care homes & 5 day centres to sell off the land for £4 million
And get this - a cabinet member owns a private care company with his wife so could make £’s from it
1
Lancashire’s Reform-run council plans to close care homes and day centres to sell off land
Questions about potential conflict of interest as council’s Reform cabinet member for social care owns private care company
www.theguardian.com
November 5, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Worked in a day centre for adults with learning disabilities for 5 years. They are home for some people, and the service users are family.
I hate what parts of this country have become.
I hate what parts of this country have become.
Reposted by Samantha Wathen
It's really lovely to be recognised as an essential support service in this piece.
The article is a brilliant resource for all doctors who may need mental health support.
www.pulsetoday.co.uk/views/pulse-...
The article is a brilliant resource for all doctors who may need mental health support.
www.pulsetoday.co.uk/views/pulse-...
A GP's guide to wellbeing and pastoral care
Drawing on his own personal experience and professional insight, Dr Alex Lai brings together practical resources to help GPs who may be facing wellbeing or pastoral issues seek support
www.pulsetoday.co.uk
November 5, 2025 at 8:23 AM
It's really lovely to be recognised as an essential support service in this piece.
The article is a brilliant resource for all doctors who may need mental health support.
www.pulsetoday.co.uk/views/pulse-...
The article is a brilliant resource for all doctors who may need mental health support.
www.pulsetoday.co.uk/views/pulse-...
Not for the 1st time I'm remembering the nurse who stayed on past the end of her shift to save my life.
Underpaying them is a false economy. The NHS runs on goodwill, remove that (which they're actively doing) & watch how much quicker the whole thing collapses.
www.nursingtimes.net/workforce/go...
Underpaying them is a false economy. The NHS runs on goodwill, remove that (which they're actively doing) & watch how much quicker the whole thing collapses.
www.nursingtimes.net/workforce/go...
Government claims it can only afford 2.5% pay rise for England’s NHS staff
The government’s submission to the NHS Pay Review Body argues it cannot afford to give NHS staff in England a pay rise of more than 2.5%.
www.nursingtimes.net
November 3, 2025 at 9:49 PM
Not for the 1st time I'm remembering the nurse who stayed on past the end of her shift to save my life.
Underpaying them is a false economy. The NHS runs on goodwill, remove that (which they're actively doing) & watch how much quicker the whole thing collapses.
www.nursingtimes.net/workforce/go...
Underpaying them is a false economy. The NHS runs on goodwill, remove that (which they're actively doing) & watch how much quicker the whole thing collapses.
www.nursingtimes.net/workforce/go...
Reposted by Samantha Wathen
Not all “team spirit” is healthy.
Workplace fawning—always saying yes, working late, avoiding conflict—can look like dedication but often signals fear, low psychological safety & burnout.
Leaders must build trust, not overwork.
👉 www.personneltoday.com/hr/t...
Workplace fawning—always saying yes, working late, avoiding conflict—can look like dedication but often signals fear, low psychological safety & burnout.
Leaders must build trust, not overwork.
👉 www.personneltoday.com/hr/t...
The rise in ‘workplace fawning’ and how it's mistaken for team spirit
Workplace 'fawning’ – or extreme people-pleasing behaviours to avoid conflict – is a growing behavioural trend. Chris Britton reports.
www.personneltoday.com
November 3, 2025 at 1:17 PM
Not all “team spirit” is healthy.
Workplace fawning—always saying yes, working late, avoiding conflict—can look like dedication but often signals fear, low psychological safety & burnout.
Leaders must build trust, not overwork.
👉 www.personneltoday.com/hr/t...
Workplace fawning—always saying yes, working late, avoiding conflict—can look like dedication but often signals fear, low psychological safety & burnout.
Leaders must build trust, not overwork.
👉 www.personneltoday.com/hr/t...
Reposted by Samantha Wathen
Let's just take a moment to reflect on the self-sacrifice and hope this person embodies - not the evil, hateful monsters thirsting for violence.
November 2, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Let's just take a moment to reflect on the self-sacrifice and hope this person embodies - not the evil, hateful monsters thirsting for violence.
Reposted by Samantha Wathen
Modern Columbo
Modern Columbo
YouTube video by Michael Spicer
youtu.be
August 6, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Modern Columbo
Reposted by Samantha Wathen
Thank you to the hundreds of people who have responded to our survey, which is closing this weekend, if you still wish to take part.
We really appreciate all the positive feedback from the survey so far bit.ly/BylinesNetworkSurvey
We really appreciate all the positive feedback from the survey so far bit.ly/BylinesNetworkSurvey
November 1, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Thank you to the hundreds of people who have responded to our survey, which is closing this weekend, if you still wish to take part.
We really appreciate all the positive feedback from the survey so far bit.ly/BylinesNetworkSurvey
We really appreciate all the positive feedback from the survey so far bit.ly/BylinesNetworkSurvey
Reposted by Samantha Wathen
The US funds the bulk of biomedical research globally by far. It's not like other countries can simply take up the slack. The more likely: people leave research, new people don't become researchers. There is no happy ending. www.pbs.org/newshour/sho...
Top researchers consider leaving U.S. amid funding cuts: 'The science world is ending'
A poll from the journal Nature found that 75% of researchers in the U.S. are considering leaving the country. That includes a man who’s been dubbed the "Mozart of Math." Stephanie Sy examines what’s b...
www.pbs.org
November 1, 2025 at 8:15 PM
The US funds the bulk of biomedical research globally by far. It's not like other countries can simply take up the slack. The more likely: people leave research, new people don't become researchers. There is no happy ending. www.pbs.org/newshour/sho...