As we emerge from the storm of preparation and uncertainty, where are we now but in a quiet place. A place to mend. A time to dream. For many the effects of lockdown have been devastating; there were never any easy choices to make. I acknowledge my own privilege in that.

But it is right to dream where you can. Of undisturbed birdsong, of clearer skies, of the sense that we could continue to see that we are all in this together, of the politics of inclusion rather than self-interest.

And of rebuilding a healthcare system that before all else cares for health, where concerns of performance and efficiency become another tool in our hand rather than the rod for our back. We can use the same imagination that created our universal healthcare, with the same ideal of ensured access for all.

Over successive iterations we have moved further away from that ideal. But it wouldn’t be that hard to wind that back. The raw fuel is still there – the people. I see the energy and creativity within our hospital during this crisis. It’s time to harness that, not to hamper it further.

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