HealthSense is the new name for HealthWatch Find out more.
History
The idea behind the charity originally registered as HealthWatch, now renamed HealthSense, was first put to journalist and broadcaster Nick Ross in the 1980s by the eminent cancer surgeon Professor Michael Baum. “Michael told me about some tragic cases he’d seen at his breast cancer clinic — women whose condition had disintegrated into suppurating sores because they'd shunned conventional treatment in favour of various alternative therapies that were just not working”.
Nick Ross was among a small group of professionals who met to share Professor Baum’s concern at patients risking their health, not to mention wasting their money, on unproven treatments. HealthWatch was born, with Nick appointed joint president with Michael O'Donnell.
Inaugural meeting
The group's inaugural meeting was held on 1 November 1988 at The Old Bell Tavern in Fleet Street, followed by gatherings at the Royal Society of Medicine. Finally a committee was elected towards the end of the first year whose members included the pathologist Professor Vincent Marks, the medical nutritionist Professor John Garrow, lawyers Diana and Malcolm Brahams, and medical journalist Caroline Richmond.
Originally named the Campaign against Health Fraud, it was changed to HealthWatch at our second AGM, held on 12 July 1990, and registered as a charity. It went on to be renamed HealthSense in 2022, in response to confusion resulting from the government's newer initiative "Healthwatch England".
Today
While initially concerned with unproven treatments, over the years we have widened our area of concern and now promote evidence and integrity in all forms of medicine and healthcare. Being completely independent, HealthSense is able to oppose poor evidence whether it is found in alternative remedies, clinical research, pharmaceutical products, government-run programmes, or the media.
Nick Ross continues as HealthSense’s president. Its patrons are Dr Margaret McCartney, comedian Robin Ince, Professor Steve Jones FRS, Sir Michael Rawlins, and Lord Dick Taverne.
Constitution
Download our constitution, as amended and agreed at the Annual General Meeting held on 06 October 2021.
Archive
Constitution uo to 06 October 2021
Constitution up to 29 October 2019
Frequently asked questions
Enquiries and further information
For press and other enquiries, please contact us.