Box 3.

The media’s influence on policy

The Telegraph, 19 May 2021 ‘Congratulations, everyone! Well done us. All it took for NHS England to alter its guidance and tell GPs that they should offer patients face-to-face appointments was an immensely moving account from [reader] about the preventable death of his darling wife [name] , a couple of mortars fired by your columnist, Gunner Pearson, and several thousand emails of frustration, pain and disbelief from our magnificent Telegraph family. Plus, of course, a front-page scoop by Laura Donnelly and Rosa Silverman, which confirmed what we all suspected: doctors had been told to discourage patient appointments in person to promote digital consultations. The swift U-turn was both an important victory for common sense — not seeing patients may well be “dangerous”, as so many medics pointed out — and proof that enough people acting together can push back against alienating measures which rob our society of the personal touch we treasure.’ Daily Mail, 14 October 2021 ‘LAST month, the Mail launched an ambitious and important crusade. Concerned so many readers and their loved ones were enduring the depressing ordeal of trying — and failing — to visit their family doctor, we delivered a powerful message to ministers: Let’s See GPs Face To Face. Today, four weeks on, this paper is proud to record another stunning triumph. For Sajid Javid is unveiling sweeping healthcare reforms which should make it easier to get an appointment in person. In these pages, the Health Secretary and Prime Minister pay tribute to our important campaign highlighting this scandal.’