HSJ’s 50 most read articles of 2019

The story which most caught readers’ attention during the year was NHS Improvement chief executive Ian Dalton’s shock stepping down in March, which coincided with Matthew Swindells’ post as NHS England deputy chief executive being disbanded and NHSE chief executive Simon Stevens taking over the leadership of both organisations. The shake-up at the top of the NHS is particularly noteworthy, as it has made Mr Stevens responsible for both controlling the provider sector deficit and improving care through commissioning

Technology is a reoccurring theme throughout the top 50. In January, HSJ revealed Matt Hancock’s plans to launch NHSX. The new digital unit signifies a revamp in the health service’s approach to IT, including scaling back the NHS App. Its establishment also came shortly after NHS England’s first chief digital officer announced she was leaving for digital GP company Livi. 

The long-running pensions crisis also crops up in the most read list. Changes to the pensions tax regime made in 2016 have led to higher earners in the NHS pensions scheme being hit with sizeable tax bills.This has, in turn, led to consultants reducing their hours — and, potentially, gaining a new perspective on work-life balance. 

Among these stories were several of HSJ’s investigations. In July, HSJ revealed how NHS England had covered up serious problems with paediatric cancer care in London with a former NHS medical director for London accusing NHSE, his former employer, of “burying” attempts to overhaul the services.

Meanwhile, in February, HSJ uncovered claims of bullying, favouritism and a “toxic” culture at Sheffield CCG. The CCG’s accountable officer Maddy Ruff resigned from the role in May.

You can read all of 2019’s top 50 here: