Adam Kay argues the NHS is the UK’s greatest institution but “one of the worst employers”

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Adam Kay expresses that he hopes everyone finds him similar in appearance to Ben Whishaw, as Whishaw portrayed Kay in the BBC’s 2022 adaptation of his successful medical memoir “This Is Going to Hurt.” Kay confesses with a laugh that when casting for the role, his top priority was finding an incredibly good-looking actor.

The author of “A Particularly Nasty Case,” his first novel, shows little interest in the appearance of the leading man portrayed in any screen adaptation, as he states there’s only 20% resemblance between himself and the main character, Eitan. “Eitan is quite a messy doctor,” the author admits, “but I take pride in not being as disorganized as him.

In the darkly humorous thriller, Eitan – a rheumatologist often considered the least exciting in medicine – returns to work following a break due to a bipolar condition. He starts to suspect that his manager’s heart attack death might have been murder rather than natural causes. As Kay describes it, the story doesn’t begin as a typical “whodunnit,” but instead as an “ifdunnit.

If you find that idea hard to believe, consider it once more. The author, Kay, carries the weight of six years as an NHS doctor in his writing before transitioning into authorship. However, he ensured medical accuracy by having a team of advisers scrutinize the manuscript. Despite being 15 years removed from the field, Kay admits that seeking his medical advice now would be risky. Thus, he asked trusted friends to review the book and point out any inaccuracies. Surprisingly, they gave it a thumbs-up, raising concerns about its authenticity.

Kay placed great emphasis on ensuring the accuracy of the scientific aspects, noting that he respected Agatha Christie’s work because the details about poisons in her novels were incredibly precise, given her background as a trained pharmacist.

I trust my time at medical school wasn’t unique in having me ponder mischievously during lectures, ‘That could be a clever method for eliminating someone.’ Thankfully, the moral compass within me prevented me from ever acting on such thoughts, even though I do have quite a few adversaries.

As someone who deeply appreciates the artistry of films, I can’t help but draw a parallel in my mind to the dedicated healthcare professionals working tirelessly within our National Health Service (NHS). In this modern age, the topic of burnout among these individuals has been extensively debated. It’s startling to consider that annual work productivity losses due to anxiety, stress, and depression reach astronomical figures, numbering in the millions. The question then arises: Are we neglecting the mental well-being of our medical practitioners?

In my opinion, our National Health Service (NHS) is undoubtedly one of the most significant institutions in this country. However, it’s also important to acknowledge that it might not be the best when it comes to employee treatment. Regarding care for staff dealing with personal health issues, especially mental health concerns, the NHS seems to lag approximately a decade behind the rest of society.

The book delves into substantial matters, yet it’s propelled by an engaging, fast-paced narrative, filled with humorous moments that will make you laugh out loud, as well as suspenseful scenes that will have you peeking through your fingers. Kay assures us that it’s not a comfortable mystery novel. Instead, it begins in a gay sauna and continues on an unrelenting journey.

This month’s midweek break found Joanna relaxing as she delved into “A Particularly Nasty Case,” a gripping murder mystery filled with all the traditional elements of a crime novel. She complemented her reading session with a timeless Mozzarella pizza from Dr. Oetker Ristorante.

To stay updated on the newest news, author interviews, Q&A sessions, book reviews, and other exciting content from RT Book Club, kindly check out The TopMob Book Club, proudly sponsored by Dr. Oetker Ristorante.

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2025-09-09 03:21