The doctors’ strike and the future of the NHS – A Big Issue Special Report

This week we look at where things are for the NHS. As the Department of health and doctors representatives are locked in talks over plans for the health service and an attempt to avert further strikes in England, doctors tell us why what they’re fighting for remains so vitally important.

We also carry a piece by Dominic Pimenta, a junior doc behind the eye-opening juniordoctorblog.com who explains why feelings run so deep. “Whoever ‘wins’ in this contract fight,” he says, “it’s clear that the battle to keep a free-at-the-point-of-service, world-class health system is only just beginning.”

We assess whether or not it’s possible to retain that very idea of completely free at the point of service or whether we need new radical approaches to health provision in Britain. There are some difficult decisions ahead.

We also look at elements around prevention rather than cure – and how better mental health care has a vital part to play.

Meanwhile, our Letter To My Younger Self is with former world heavyweight champion David Haye. No shrinking violet, he explains that he never actually retired and why £50,000 watches won’t make you happy.

John Bird looks at the benefits of fishing as a simple, direct way to change behaviours and provide a lift out of poverty.

Victoria Anderson looks at education. With angry debate around testing she asks what exactly formal education is for and what it should be for.

Our featured vendor this week is Will Payne, who sells in Bristol. A poet, he’ll be touring the festivals bringing his work to the masses. This, he says, is the year he’ll take the world by storm.

We also welcome our new contributor Robin Ince. He joins as our radio critic, kicking off this week.