Rescuing the NHS must start with restoring professional morale

ByDr Matthew Lee

Published21 August 2024

Supporting a demoralised workforce is essential to secure the future of the NHS, says MDU chief executive Dr Matthew Lee.

...the working conditions of doctors and other healthcare professionals have changed immeasurably since 1997 - and not for the better.

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If there is reason for optimism, it lies in the can-do spirit of most doctors, who chose their profession to make a positive difference to people's health.

Dr Matthew Lee

Chief executive, the Medical Defence Union

BM, MBA, FRCP, MRCPCH, FFFLM Matthew has been chief executive of the MDU since September 2021. He has worked at the MDU since 2000, initially as a medico-legal adviser assisting members facing complaints, disciplinary procedures and criminal investigations before becoming professional services director (with responsibility for claims handling, underwriting, legal services and the medical and dental advisory services) in 2009. He joined the MDU from a background of working as a clinical fellow in paediatric intensive care in Southampton, having trained in both anaesthetics and paediatric medicine.