Sign in

Robin Hewings

@robinhewings.bsky.social
1.1K followers 721 following 48 posts

Currently, Head of Health and Prevention Policy (maternity cover) at Cancer Research UK I've previously worked on loneliness and social connection, diabetes and tobacco.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Robin Hewings
The Guardian @theguardian.com · 09/10/2025
The Poems of Seamus Heaney review – collected works reveal his colossal achievement
theguardian.com
The Poems of Seamus Heaney review – collected works reveal his colossal achievement
The complete works, including previously unpublished poems and expert notes, are brought together in one volume for the first time
28634
Robin Hewings @robinhewings.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
There are worse journeys to work.
The canal by Victoria Park in Hackney, this morning with sun coming through the mist. The canal by Victoria Park in Hackney, this morning with sunlight reflected on the underside of the bridge.
070
Reposted by Robin Hewings
Stephen Bush @stephenkb.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
Sort of dizzying to think about how many people are alive today because Patricia Hewitt (ban on smoking in enclosed spaces) was health secretary and because Norman Fowler (mandatory seatbelts) was transport secretary and health secretary (HIV/Aids).
36817189
Robin Hewings @robinhewings.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
Today seems like a good day to share one of my favourite webpages - feelinglistless.blogspot.com/2022/02/cata...
feelinglistless.blogspot.com
Cataloguing BBC Radio 4's In Our Time using Dewey Decimal Classification.
Radio   In Our Time is a weekly live BBC radio discussion programme in which the broadcaster Melvyn Bragg and several academics elucidate ...
010
Reposted by Robin Hewings
Rob Ralston @policyrelevant.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
usually this kind of stuff is terrible, but making an exception Mark as Hayek is *chefs kiss*
youtube.com
Philosophers described by Peep Show
YouTube video by JP
041
Reposted by Robin Hewings
Owen Jackson @owenjackson.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
Survival for many cancer types is continuing to improve, highlighted by new data released by @cancerresearchuk.org today. However, it is improving at the slowest rate for fifty years. Changes are needed to ensure the UK is making the most of new research 👇 www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
theguardian.com
UK cancer survival rate doubles since 1970s amid ‘golden age’, report says
Half of those diagnosed will now survive for 10 years or more after advances in diagnosis and treatment
011
Reposted by Robin Hewings
The Guardian @theguardian.com · 20/04/2025
NHS cancer patients denied life-saving drugs due to Brexit costs, report finds
theguardian.com
NHS cancer patients denied life-saving drugs due to Brexit costs, report finds
Exclusive: Britons found to have ‘lost out’ while rest of Europe benefits from golden age of research and treatments * ‘Children with cancer cannot wait’: the human cost of clinical trial delays after Brexit British cancer patients are being denied life-saving drugs and trials of revolutionary treatments are being derailed by the red tape and extra costs brought on by Brexit, a damning report warns. Soaring numbers are being diagnosed with the disease amid a growing and ageing population, improved diagnosis initiatives and wider public awareness – making global collaborations to find new medicines essential. Continue reading...
2118398
Reposted by Robin Hewings
Centre for Mental Health @centreformh.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
Loneliness significantly impacts our mental and physical health, but too often it remains undiscussed. @lisamcnally.bsky.social calls on local systems to tackle #loneliness as part of a neighbourhood health approach: tinyurl.com/ycke7h33
centreformentalhealth.org.uk
Loneliness: Don’t ask, don’t tell? - Centre for Mental Health
Loneliness has a significant impact on our health, but too often remains undiscussed. Lisa McNally calls on local systems to tackle loneliness as part of a neighbourhood health approach.
0139
Reposted by Robin Hewings
Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
🚨 We’re hiring! Are you a sharp communicator and storyteller? Join our ambitious team to help shape the tobacco and vaping narrative in Westminster, the NHS & local gov at a critical moment. 🔗 charityjob.co.uk/jobs/action-...
024
Reposted by Robin Hewings
Action on Smoking Health (UK) @ashorguk.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
🚨 New research finds that making the UK smokefree isn’t just good for health—it’s a huge win for the economy too. Our new analysis with Landman Economics found that a smokefree UK could create 135,000 more jobs, adding ~ £10 billion to the economy. 👇
163
Reposted by Robin Hewings
Matt Sample @mattsample.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
Great from @crukpolicy.bsky.social colleague Ben Jones on data's power to boost research, support AI tech & improve cancer outcomes. To unlock the full potential, we need to safely improve data access and availability for research, & ensure public trust. news.cancerresearchuk.org/2025/03/19/i...
news.cancerresearchuk.org
Early warnings, better outcomes: Getting the infrastructure right to unlock data for cancer detection - Cancer Research UK - Cancer News
We explore the changes needed to the UK’s health data infrastructure get the most out of data-driven programmes like CD3.
021
Reposted by Robin Hewings
Adam Briggs @admbriggs.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
Thinking of public health NHS and DHSC / OHID colleagues who went through PHE’s dissolution during the pandemic just four years ago and are again facing huge professional uncertainty. Your work remains essential and hugely valued. Thank you.
2336
Robin Hewings @robinhewings.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
Excellent report from my colleagues about R&D clusters -> growth AND beat cancer sooner. Maybe of interest to @tomsasse.bsky.social @edconway.bsky.social @jamesomalley.co.uk @natashaloder.bsky.social
000
Reposted by Robin Hewings
Cancer Research UK Policy @crukpolicy.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
1/ Today is #NoSmokingDay! If you smoke, stopping completely is the best thing you can do for your health. And you’ll be lowering your risk of at least 16 types of cancer. It’s never too late to quit and you don’t have to do it alone. Keep reading for support to stop smoking for good 👇
134
Reposted by Robin Hewings
Cancer Research UK Policy @crukpolicy.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
[1/5] Today, we’re spotlighting our science policy work. 🧬 Science is at the heart of everything we do and we work to influence government policy to build a world-leading science ecosystem—moving the most exciting discoveries from bench to bedside!
166
Reposted by Robin Hewings
Cancer Research UK Policy @crukpolicy.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
[1/3] Welcome to @CRUKPolicy Bluesky! 👋 We’re here to share our work influencing across the UK and globally, for better cancer research, prevention, detection and care.
176
Reposted by Robin Hewings
Charlotte Augst @charlotteaugst.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
Great piece from my colleagues at the @innovationunit.bsky.social setting out what they have learned from work on neighbourhood change and what the NHS and government need to avoid to confuse or stifle progress.
031
Robin Hewings @robinhewings.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
Brilliant opportunity to work some of the finest campaigners in the business @ashorguk.bsky.social www.charityjob.co.uk/jobs/action-...
charityjob.co.uk
Senior Policy Officer | Action on Smoking and Health | CharityJob
Apply now for Senior Policy Officer. , £31,000 - £35,000 per year, find a career with meaning today
031
Reposted by Robin Hewings
Professor Judith Smith @profjudithsmith.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
This is such a timely report from @thekingsfund.bsky.social @nationalvoices.bsky.social and @healthwatchengland.bsky.social on a vitally important topic. The #NHS has to have fully efficient admin if it is ever to assure properly coordinated or integrated care #healthpolicy #medsky
1177
Reposted by Robin Hewings
Dave Hill @davehillonlondon.bsky.social · 09/02/2025
A lot of people slag off Euston station, but it has its charms and consolations if you know where to find them. Ask @juliehamill.bsky.social - www.onlondon.co.uk/julie-hamill.... #london @nickbowes.bsky.social @quinlet.bsky.social @garius.bsky.social
onlondon.co.uk
Julie Hamill: Poignant pleasures of Euston station - OnLondon
When I’m travelling from Euston to go anywhere outside of London I’m always in a rush to get to the train. As soon as I arrive, I search the departures board, grab a sandwich then hurry to my seat. Bu...
2146
Robin Hewings @robinhewings.bsky.social · 26/01/2025
Might be one for @juderogers.bsky.social
220
Reposted by Robin Hewings
Dave West @ HSJ @davewwest.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
Useful response to this piece from @theasrstein.bsky.social Reflects common desire for govt to say something soon, to make it clear WHAT it wants neighbourhood health to achieve, what outcomes More tricky is separating, even initially, the 2 threads - since govnt & others likely to want both/and
364
Reposted by Robin Hewings
Kate Jopling @katejopling.bsky.social · 19/01/2025
Thread here on work from home which - as most do - seeks to link this to loneliness. I totally get this. It feels intuitively right. Problem is when we asked people about this in more depth the realities were much more nuanced - for many wfh improved their relationships at home and at work.
43814
Reposted by Robin Hewings
@maherjane @maherjane.bsky.social · 15/01/2025
@nuffieldtrust.bsky.social on “measuring what matters” the point that loneliness has as big an impact on cardiovascular health outcomes as statins but only lipid level measured makes the point of measuring different things very clearly
041
Reposted by Robin Hewings
Nick Jones @nickhuwjones.bsky.social · 14/01/2025
Mission based funding is driving decision making across Government. At CRUK, we have been funding in this way for a long time - our transformation of the lung cancer R&D environment being a prime example. I wrote about what Govt can learn from our approach. news.cancerresearchuk.org/2025/01/13/m...
news.cancerresearchuk.org
Mission-based funding: A Cancer Research UK approach to lung cancer research - Cancer Research UK - Cancer News
We look back on how more than 10-years of mission-based funding has transformed the UK lung cancer research ecosystem
011
Robin Hewings @robinhewings.bsky.social · 10/01/2025
As ever a really interesting thread from @jacoblant.bsky.social
020
Reposted by Robin Hewings
Shaun Walsh @shaunewalsh.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
We should not be diluting our ambitions on cancer "Cancer waits are also being discussed, with question marks over whether the NHS will maintain an interim target for 70 per cent of patients to start treatment within two months of a referral" www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
thetimes.com
Wes Streeting rejects NHS plan to water down A&E targets
The health secretary has insisted on retaining the goal of 78 per cent of A&E patients being seen within four hours as well as PM’s promise of more routine operations
083
Reposted by Robin Hewings
Kate Jopling @katejopling.bsky.social · 06/01/2025
Crap admin doesn’t just cause administrative burden it causes real issues. Getting the basics right has to be the starting point
024
Reposted by Robin Hewings
Karim Palant @karimpalant.bsky.social · 23/12/2024
If you have a friend who is need of cheering up this Christmas, suggest they don’t follow this group go.bsky.app/B5X2Tsg
094
Robin Hewings @robinhewings.bsky.social · 20/12/2024
Reading the really excellent overview of how the UK and EU can better work together I was delighted our @cancerresearchuk.org report on this has been cited before it's even been released! www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/ho...
nuffieldtrust.org.uk
How could Britain and the EU work together to improve health?
Striking a somewhat different note from his predecessors, the Prime Minister recently pledged to “reset relationships” with the European Union. While the UK’s policy goals within this strengthened coo...
140
Robin Hewings @robinhewings.bsky.social · 10/12/2024
I found this a really helpful take on the issues facing hospitals by @reformthinktank.bsky.social reform.uk/wp-content/u...
reform.uk
010
Robin Hewings @robinhewings.bsky.social · 04/12/2024
'Bringing our stories to Westminster – how our Campaigns Ambassadors are championing a smokefree UK' - this is a lovely article about an inspiring day where I had the privilege of talking to @cancerresearchuk.org Ambassadors about our policy work. news.cancerresearchuk.org/2024/12/03/c...
news.cancerresearchuk.org
Bringing our stories to Westminster – how our Campaigns Ambassadors are championing a smokefree UK - Cancer Research UK - Cancer News
Last week more than 75 of our Campaigns Ambassadors gathered for Parliament Day to show their support for the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
082
Reposted by Robin Hewings
Ellen O’Donoghue @ellenod.bsky.social · 28/11/2024
Thrilled and honoured that @jamesplaceuk.bsky.social won the Public Health Minister’s Award at today’s @rsph.bsky.social awards for our work with men in suicidal crisis in Liverpool, Newcastle and London, and to be presented with it by @gwynnemp.bsky.social
053
Reposted by Robin Hewings
Jacob Lant @jacoblant.bsky.social · 25/11/2024
Can we pleas say a big BlueSky welcome to the @nationalvoices.bsky.social official account! :)
4339
Robin Hewings @robinhewings.bsky.social · 23/11/2024
Just back from a brilliant - and free! - gig at the Barbican to see Whiskey Moonface for the first time since lockdown. Part of #wearejazz - do follow on BandsinTown or whatever app you use.
The band Whiskey Moonface onstage at the Barbican, being applauded by the crowd.
152
Reposted by Robin Hewings
Sam Bowman @sambowman.co · 20/11/2024
In the spirit of giving this app the old "college try", I've made a Progress Studies starter pack. I'm sure I've missed a lot of people. go.bsky.app/R34NKJv
39822
Robin Hewings @robinhewings.bsky.social · 15/11/2024
Excellent news that my employers - bsky.app/profile/canc... have joined and started posting
bsky.app
040
Reposted by Robin Hewings
Owen Jackson @owenjackson.bsky.social · 15/11/2024
Government have announced that the second Commons reading of the #Tobacco and Vapes Bill will be on Tuesday 26th November. The Bill will create the first ever #smokefree generation. You can ask your MP to vote in favour of the Bill here: action.cancerresearchuk.org/page/158114/...
action.cancerresearchuk.org
Email your MP
Smoking is still the biggest cause of cancer in the UK. Let's help change that.
1129
Reposted by Robin Hewings
Hazel Cheeseman @hazelcheeseman.bsky.social · 11/11/2024
@luketryl.bsky.social is a fascinating voice. Lots to take seriously in this thread
032
Reposted by Robin Hewings
Lauren Bowes Byatt @laurenbowesbyatt.bsky.social · 04/11/2024
BIG NEW RESEARCH ANNOUNCEMENT! 📣🤓 We're incredibly excited to be launching out Blueprint for halving obesity today. A super helpful tool for policymakers to analyse WHAT ACTUALLY WORKS to tackle obesity. Check it out here 👉 blueprint.nesta.org.uk Reach out & let us know what you think!
blueprint.nesta.org.uk
A blueprint to halve obesity in the UK
A toolkit to support the design, implementation and scaling of dietary health policies that are most likely to work.
144
Robin Hewings @robinhewings.bsky.social · 18/10/2024
It can often seem that improve health across a whole population is impossibly hard. That makes this a cheering report about what they've been getting it right in Greater Manchester. www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight-and-...
kingsfund.org.uk
Population Health In Greater Manchester | The King's Fund
This report explores the journey of Greater Manchester's efforts to improve population health at scale.
012
Robin Hewings @robinhewings.bsky.social · 04/10/2024
This guide on health inequalities from the Healthcare Financial Management Association is low on rhetoric and high on practical ideas about what costing teams can do about health inequalities. Examples include finding underserved populations and helping people with travel costs to reduce DNAs
261
Reposted by Robin Hewings
Hazel Cheeseman @hazelcheeseman.bsky.social · 01/10/2024
Last night I spoke at the @ashorguk.bsky.social AGM and gave my first Chief Executive speech. We said goodbye to Deborah Arnott after 21 incredible years at the helm. Few people can claim to have had as much impact on a nation's health than Deborah.
1114
Reposted by Robin Hewings
Neil Tester @neiltester.bsky.social · 30/09/2024
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
theguardian.com
Streeting considers reviving dedicated cancer strategy after Tories axed it
Health secretary is examining case for a comprehensive plan for England to tackle UK’s second-biggest killer
031
Reposted by Robin Hewings
Alison Stenning @alisonstenning.bsky.social · 28/09/2024
Belatedly sharing this interesting thread on research that concludes that, in places where teenagers can get around safely and independently, their social media use often supplements rather than replaces face-to-face sociability -
0163
Robin Hewings @robinhewings.bsky.social · 27/09/2024
A very heartening graph from the Health Foundation showing fallings rates of hospital admissions for children with asthma. Something my daughter feels strongly about
Graph showing falling rates of hospital admissions via Health Foundation
3136
Robin Hewings @robinhewings.bsky.social · 18/09/2024
The explosion in this site since August has been amazing - it feels like all of UK health policy twitter apart from some of the institutional accounts are here. But I do need to post more!
160
Reposted by Robin Hewings
Matthew Holehouse @matthewholehouse.bsky.social · 16/09/2024
A very interesting first substack from UK foreign sec David Lammy, comparing historic British imperialism with the present-day Russian variant davidlammy.substack.com/p/the-united...
34317
Reposted by Robin Hewings
Hazel Cheeseman @hazelcheeseman.bsky.social · 14/09/2024
Love Private Eye
0114
Reposted by Robin Hewings
Thea Stein @theasrstein.bsky.social · 13/09/2024
Why is the #Darzi review both not surprising but also so important. Because it’s real, it’s emotionally intelligent & it resonates. I explain more here www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/wh...
nuffieldtrust.org.uk
Why is the Darzi report so important?
Following the publication of this week’s high-profile report from Lord Darzi about the state of the NHS, Thea Stein reflects on how such a paper can simultaneously be so unsurprising yet also so impor...
22713