NHS65

The NHS is at a crossroads. With growing pressures and an uncertain future, we invite you to take part in the NHS65 Citizens’ Jury, a powerful public forum where everyday people and expert witnesses come together to discuss what’s next for the UK’s most treasured institution.

What is the NHS65 Citizens’ Jury?

This event is the culmination of NHS65, a project by arts activist Red Jay (real name Joshua Oliver), inspired by his own lifelong journey with the NHS. Born with Larsen’s Syndrome, a rare genetic condition, Red Jay spent the first two years of his life in hospital and has undergone multiple life-changing surgeries under NHS care. From childhood operations to major facial reconstruction in adulthood and now embarking on an NHS-funded IVF journey to ensure his child does not inherit the condition, his connection to the NHS is deeply personal.

To mark the 65th anniversary of NHS founder Nye Bevan’s passing, Red Jay will be launching a nationwide 65-location tour, showcasing a satirical video on an LED truck at each of the locations over 6 days. The showcase will culminate in this Citizens’ Jury back in London at London South Bank University, bringing people together to continue that conversation in a structured, meaningful way.

On the road, 3 key questions will be posed to the general public based on key findings from the recently commissioned Lord Darzi Report, which outlines a proposed 10-year plan for healthcare in the UK.

1) Ensuring adequate funding for the NHS

Should the NHS spending be legally protected with a minimum percentage of GDP, ensuring it keeps pace with demand?

2) The Long-Term Sustainability of the NHS

Should NHS funding priorities be decided by an independent health body rather than by politicians to ensure long-term stability and prevent short term political interference?

3) Privatisation Vs Public ownership

Should the NHS renew or cancel all current privatisation contracts when they next come up for renewal?

From these three, the public will determine the most important issue and question for deliberation at the citizens jury.

How Does the Citizens’ Jury Work?

A diverse, representative panel of jurors will hear from expert speakers on the current state of the NHS.

These include:

Aneira Thomas - The first ever baby born on under the NHS (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/sep/16/first-baby-born-under-nhs-national-health-service-aneurin-bevan)

Professor Gwyn Bevan - Emeritus Professor of Policy Analysis at London School of Economics (https://www.lse.ac.uk/management/people/emeriti/gwyn-bevan) and author of the book 'How Did Britain Come to This? A century of systemic failures of governance'.

Dr Bob Gill - Current practicing GP and producer of the documentary The Great NHS Heist (https://thegreatnhsheist.com) featuring such commetors as Yanis Varoufakis and Ken Loach.

Observers and members of the public are encouraged to attend, ask questions and take part in discussions. Whether you’re a jury member or an engaged observer, your voice matters in shaping the future of the NHS.

The results of citizens jury deliberation will be fed into the NHS' very own Change campaign https://change.nhs.uk/en-GB/. A campaign to canvass public opinion over the next 10 years for implementing change as part of the 10 year health plan, resulting from the current government's Lord Darzi report commission.

We will ensure the findings are presented to current health minister Wes Streeting himself. While the results will be made available on the Hive Mind Website (https://hivemindspeaks.com/), as well as being archived at the British Library. Additionally we will be taking the results back out on our trusty LED Van and displaying what we find at significant locations on London on Monday April 14th.

NHS65 FAQ's

What is NHS65?

NHS65 is a nationwide arts activism initiative dedicated to providing a platform for the general public to have an impact on the future of the NHS. The showcase will take place across 65 locations in 6 days, via an LED van playing a powerful satirical video on the threat to the future of the NHS. The project will culminate in a Citizen’s Jury on Saturday 12 April 2025 at London South Bank University (LSBU) in London, England, a leading university for Nursing and Midwifery in the UK. Expert speakers will include Aneira Thomas (the first ever baby born under the NHS), Professor Gwyn Bevan from the London School of Economics and Dr. Bob Gill, producer of the documentary The Great NHS Heist.

Who is running NHS65?

Hive Mind Speaks, a community set up by artist Red Jay, to encourage conversation around legislation with the aim of effecting meaningful change.

Is NHS65 affiliated with the NHS?

NHS65 is not affiliated with the NHS, but cares very deeply about it.

Is NHS65 affiliated with the UK Government?

NHS65 is not affiliated with the UK Government, but the findings from the campaign will be delivered to the UK Government.

Who is funding NHS65?

NHS65 is looking for 65 founding donors, who will be thanked in the permanent record of the campaign in the British Library archive,

Visit https://ko-fi.com/hivemindspeaks to be one of the founding 65.

Initial funding for the campaign was provided by artist Red Jay (founder of the Hive Mind Speaks community) with support from 

The Gane Trust

Oppenheim-John Downes Memorial

What is the aim of NHS65?

To create conversation around the future of the NHS, collect public opinion and deliver it to both the UK Government and the NHS’ own Change NHS programme.

How can I get involved?

1) Join us at one of the 65 locations on our video screening tour.

Attend or live stream our Citizen’s Jury event in London on 12 April 2025.

2) Follow us on social media

3) Become one of the founding 65 donors by donating here