The politics of whistleblowing and the fight to cure the NHS: an interview with Julie Bailey

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges of whistleblowing and campaigning to make systemic changes in the face of institutional failings. Design/methodology/approach This is an interview. Findings This interview reports the experience of Julie Bailey who led Cure the NHS, a grassroots campaign to change what she and others observed as dangerous practices within the Mid Staffordshire Foundation Trust Hospital. The discussion explores whistleblowers’ challenges when highlighting widespread poor practice and abuse and the role politics plays in helping or hindering the push for change. Originality/value This is an original interview, as commissioned by Dr Jeremy Dixon (Series Editor).