Reform's research and commentary is regularly featured in the media. You can find press coverage of Reform's work here.
We are always happy to comment on policy issues relevant to our work. If you would like a quote, an interview, or a background briefing, please email press@reform.uk.
The Guardian published an article about cybersecurity and cyberattacks in the NHS, following a panel event which Reform's Eleonora Harwich spoke at.
"While all panellists were worried about the possibility of another attack, Eleonora Harwich, director of research and head of digital and tech innovation at Reform, remained hopeful. “A lot of the recommendations that came out of WannaCry are a step in the right direction,” she said, although Harwich also sounded a note of caution: “I wonder if we will eventually work out how to translate recommendations and headline policy into what happens on the ground.”
Commenting on NHS England’s announcement, Andrew Haldenby, Director of Reform think tank, which recently published a report calling for the better use and collection of data in cancer screening and care, said:
“Breast cancer screening already prevents approximately 1,300 deaths a year. Better use of NHS data should mean that even more people are screened for cancer, particularly those on low incomes. It would also improve accuracy when coupled with new technology, reducing the number of cancers that are currently missed in screenings.”
To accompany a paper she is currently working on, Rose Lasko-Skinner, Researcher at Reform, wrote an article for Public Sector Executive discussing the importance social value in public procurement.
Read the article here.
Public Finance wrote an article covering the Healthcare: unblocked 2018 conference which Eleonora Harwich, Director of Research and Head of Digital and Tech Innovation, spoke at. The article included a quote from Eleonora:
Eleonora Harwich, director of research at the Reform think-tank, said: “The efficiency gains can improve cost effectiveness.”
She added: “I see opportunity [for blockchain in the NHS] but there are basic things that need to be put right before blockhain can flourish”.
Luke Heselwood, Researcher at Reform, appeared on BBC Newcastle radio to discuss homelessness. He argued that local authorities must tackle the root causes of homelessness. Responding to claims that local authorities are under increasing pressure to assist households at risk of homelessness, Luke argued that by tackling the root causes, it will help to alleviate these pressures in the long-term.
Reacting to the Chancellor’s Budget speech, Andrew Haldenby, Director of the independent public services think tank Reform said:
"If the Chancellor wants to end austerity he has to ensure that the extra money will be well used. His problem is that the reform programs introduced in the austerity years are far from complete. Unless that changes it will be the Government, not the opposition, that is throwing good money after bad"
Ahead of the Budget on Monday, Rose Lasko-Skinner, Researcher at Reform, wrote an article arguing that public reform has stalled since Brexit and that the end of austerity was an opportune moment to bring back focus on the domestic agenda.
Read the article here.
Reform's latest report, A data-driven personalised approach to cancer care, found that cancer survival could significantly improve if the NHS collects and uses its data more intelligently.
It received coverage in the Yorkshire Post and Prolific North.
To accompany the launch of our latest report 'A data-driven approach to personalised care', report author and Reform Research Manager, Maisie Borrows, wrote an article outlining the benefits of using data to personalise cancer care.
To accompany the launch of our latest report 'A data-driven approach to personalised care', report author and Reform Research Manager, Maisie Borrows, wrote an article outlining why the NHS needs to create a single point of access to all cancer data.
Welcoming the Department of Health and Social Care’s policy paper, ‘The future of healthcare: our vision for digital, data and technology in health and care’, Reform Research Manager, Maisie Borrows said:
“This paper places a welcomed emphasis on getting the basics right in the digital architecture of the NHS. There is a digital divide within the current system. On the one hand, parts of the NHS are innovating and using Artificial Intelligence to improve diagnosis of conditions. On the other, the NHS remains strongly attached to archaic technology, such as fax machines, to share patient information. Building open data standards, secure data storage and interoperability will overcome this divide and mean all patients benefit from a tech-enabled NHS.”
Rose Lasko-Skinner, Researcher at Reform, wrote an article* for Public Sector Executive on social value in public procurement. The article discusses the importance of social value and considers possible next steps, following the amendment of the Social Value Act, to be taken to improve procurement practice.
*An account is needed to sign in to view the article.
Commenting on today’s report, Maisie Borrows, Research Manager at Reform, said:
“Whilst the report sheds light on an unwelcome “integration lottery” in local health and care systems, it also highlights the positive role of technology in accelerating joined up care. Integrated care records enabling effective data sharing are fundamental to this, improving care quality and reducing unnecessary admissions – a win-win for service users and providers, which we need to see more of.”
This statement was covered in Pharmafield and Public Sector Executive.
Maisie Borrows, Research Manager at Reform, wrote a piece for Glint Perspectives on how public services could use technology to improve productivity. Her piece draws parallels with innovation in the private sector to explore what lessons the public sector could learn.
Read it here.
Following the publication of Reform‘s report, Smarter Working in public services: the HMRC experience so far, Researcher Luke Heselwood wrote an article for Civil Service World exploring what other departments can learn from HMRC’s smarter working agenda.
“Smarter working can help to break down the traditional silos of government, with more shared spaces and technology. By doing so, it can improve service delivery and help to reach Sir Michael Barber’s aim of achieving maximum value for every pound spent.”
Read the article here.