Flu cases are rising sharply across England, prompting the NHS to issue an urgent call for millions to get vaccinated before winter peaks. In this blog, Dr Richard Dune examines the “flu jab SOS” campaign, which opens 2.4 million appointments to protect vulnerable groups and ease seasonal pressures on hospitals. He explores how early vaccination, data-driven planning, and cross-sector collaboration can strengthen winter resilience across health and social care. The message is clear: prevention, preparation, and partnership remain vital to protecting both patients and the NHS this winter.

The UK is entering a new era of dementia care driven by innovation, research, and digital transformation. In this blog, Dr Richard Dune explores the government’s Dementia Patient Flow R&I Challenge, part of a £500 million national mission to speed up diagnosis and improve long-term outcomes. He highlights how emerging technologies like blood biomarker tests, AI-powered assessments, and digital health tools are redefining early intervention and personalised care. The initiative marks a turning point for the NHS and care providers, setting the stage for a smarter, more connected, and compassionate approach to dementia diagnosis and support.

The resignation of Sir Julian Hartley, Chief Executive of the Care Quality Commission, amid a maternity inquiry at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, marks a defining moment for health and social care regulation. In this blog, Dr Richard Dune examines what this development reveals about leadership accountability, governance, and public confidence in regulatory oversight. He highlights why transparency, training, and strong organisational culture are essential to prevent future failures and ensure that safety and learning remain central to every service.

Artificial intelligence is no longer on healthcare’s horizon. It is here. In this blog, Dr Richard Dune examines Menlo Ventures’ 2025: The State of AI in Healthcare report and what its findings mean for UK health and social care leaders. He explores how AI adoption has surged across hospitals and life sciences, how governance and workforce readiness must evolve, and why digital maturity will soon define inspection readiness. As the NHS and care sector approach a new digital era, disciplined innovation, ethical oversight, and transparent governance will determine who leads and who lags behind.

Artificial intelligence is transforming the NHS from the inside out, freeing time for care and innovation. In this blog, Dr Richard Dune explores the landmark Microsoft 365 Copilot trial, which saved 400,000 staff hours a month by automating administrative tasks and improving productivity. He examines how AI is redefining efficiency, governance, and workforce wellbeing across the NHS, and what it means for the wider health and social care sector as technology, compliance, and compassion come together to shape a smarter, more sustainable future for healthcare.