Shaun Lintern
The Sunday Times
Lintern’s skill as a health journalist is cultivating well-placed sources at the very heart of the NHS to help deliver meticulously researched exposés that reveal systemic failures. This was evident in his investigation into Great Ormond Street Hospital. Where most might settle for a superficial account of concerns about a surgeon, Lintern went further, conducting an investigation that unearthed a 100-page internal report never intended for public view.
By tracking down families and persuading staff to become whistleblowers, Lintern exposed not just individual surgical failings but a broader institutional culture at the world famous hospital. The page-one story attracted a six-figure readership online, generated substantial new subscribers signing-up directly from his piece, and was comprehensively followed by national and international media outlets.
The immediate and lasting impact of his reporting was extensive. Four additional hospitals launched reviews of the surgeon's practices, and The Sunday Times forced GOSH to release a redacted report to affected families, something it had previously refused to do. The case was raised in Parliament with MPs discussing whistleblower protections and regulation of managers - which ministers have now brought forward proposals on. Lintern followed up the story with a second double page spread with families sharing harrowing stories and photos of their children with amputated limbs.
Lintern’s forensic investigation of mental health killings is a perfect blend of hard data, dry policy and harrowing personal narratives. But Lintern doesn’t stop there. He builds the story further with NHS nurses revealing people under section are being left in the community and got an interview with NHS England’s mental health director in which she accepts the issues are real. The story's impact was immediate and substantial. NHS England responded by requesting hospital-wide safety reviews and implementing specific new requirements.
His third notable piece, exploring the tragic case of Dan Harrison who killed his own father, showcased Lintern's exceptional interview skills and narrative sensitivity. Through an extensive interview with Jane Harrison, he uncovered nuanced human dimensions overlooked by previous coverage. He learned so much more than what had been previously reported, notably that she still spoke to her son daily and visited him often, despite what he had done. Lintern was able to bring freshness to the story and to expose the detailed failings in the case in a way that was engaging for readers and linked to the wider problem. The story achieved an impressive 77% quality read metric, meaning more than two thirds of readers read beyond half way. After publication, Lintern was contacted by Dan Harrison to thank him for such a good piece of reporting.
Lintern’s reporting represents journalism at its most powerful, revealing uncomfortable truths, giving voice to the voiceless, and compelling institutions to confront shortcomings. Each story is meticulously researched, compassionately told, and demonstrates an unwavering commitment to public interest journalism.