'Needle-sharp analysis from the front line' Ian Rankin 'Utterly compelling' Henry Marsh 'Wonderful ... A heartbreaking chronicle of the NHS's near-demise, and a call to action' Leah Hazard 'A reminder of what is important, what we hold dear, and who we are' Christie Watson 'Compassionate, clever, curious, principled, humane ... A succinct, elegant and beautifully written account of what the NHS should and could still be' Rachel Clarke Britain's health service is dying. Gavin Francis shows us why we should fight for it. Since its birth in 1948, the powers that be have chipped away at the NHS. Now, Britain's best-loved institution is under greater threat than ever, besieged by a deadly combination of underfunding, understaffing and the predatory private sector. In the wake of the pandemic, we have come to accept a 'new normal' of permanent crisis and years-long waiting lists. But, as Gavin Francis reveals in this short, vital book- it doesn't have to be this way, and until recently, it wasn't. Drawing on the history of the NHS as well as his own experience as a GP, he introduces us to the inner workings of an institution that has never been perfect but which transformed the lives and health of millions, for free - and which has never been more important. For those who believe in the future of the NHS and its founding principles, this is essential reading from the bestselling author of Recovery and Intensive Care.

An urgent call-to-arms in defence of our NHS

About the Author
Dr Gavin Francis has worked across four continents as a surgeon, emergency physician, medical officer with the British Antarctic Survey and latterly as a GP. He's the author of the Sunday Times bestselling Adventures in Human Being and Recovery, as well as Shapeshifters, and Intensive Care. He also writes for the Guardian, The Times, the London Review of Books and Granta.

Reviews
Almost unbearable to read this yet everyone, especially politicians, should - GP Gavin Francis writes eloquently about the pressures facing every corner of the NHS. Needle-sharp analysis from the front line -- Ian Rankin
Essential reading for all who want to understand why our NHS is falling apart, and what has to be done to put it back together. -- David Lammy
Gavin Francis is exactly the NHS doctor you long for - compassionate, clever, curious, principled, humane - and this book brims over with exactly the same qualities. Free For All is a succinct, elegant and beautifully written account of what the NHS should and could still be, if only it were properly managed and funded. I loved every page -- Rachel Clarke
An utterly compelling explanation of why the NHS is by far the most equitable and cost-effective way of delivering healthcare, and why it should be properly funded -- Henry Marsh
Timely, thought-provoking and eloquent... brimming both with warmth and insight, he puts himself among the ranks of physicians with fine pens, including Oliver Sacks and Atul Gawande -- Janice Turner * The Times *
It is very rare for a book to make me want to take to the streets and march on Westminster, but this one did ... wise, thoughtful and considered ... I took heart from this book * The Tablet *
Zipped through Gavin Francis's wonderful new book with a tear in my eye. A heartbreaking chronicle of the NHS's near-demise, and a call to action -- Leah Hazard
Beautifully written, thought provoking, moving, heart-warming, and challenging. At a time when the NHS has never been under greater pressure or threat, this superb book gives real hope for a positive future -- Sir David Haslam CBE, Past Chair of NICE
A beautiful love letter to our NHS, that eloquently argues the NHS can be saved, and it must be saved. A reminder of what is important, what we hold dear, and who we are -- Christie Watson



Book Information
ISBN 9781800819252
Author Gavin Francis
Format Paperback
Page Count 192
Imprint Wellcome Collection
Publisher Profile Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 146g
Dimensions(mm) 176mm * 110mm * 18mm