Mike Birtwistle
Managing Director, Health Mandate
Experienced in advising commercial, voluntary and public sector organisations on the highest profile health issues of the day, Mike advises clients whose organisational success depends upon influencing the health environment.
Mike was a key advisor to the Department of Health on developing the Cancer Reform Strategy and the End of Life Care Strategy, as well as the recent Richards Review on additional drugs. He also sits on a number of Department of Health advisory bodies.
Name one thing few people know about you?
I used to be a tennis coach, although you would never guess it now.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A professional tennis player – and I still want to be! Ignore the slightly out of shape appearance: it’s an elaborate front.
Who has most inspired you?
The patients affected by the issues I advise on. Dealing with challenges that matter is all the inspiration you need.
What would you do if you became Prime Minister?
Allocate more funding to the NHS and sort out social care.
Do you have one unfulfilled ambition?
Lots! Without them life would be quite dull.
What is your favourite book?
‘The World According to Garp’ by John Irving.
What gets me up in the morning is the prospect of working with the brightest people on the most challenging issues – and making a difference.