As patients and consumers, we are better informed today about our health care than any previous generation.

She speaks French and is a keen gardener. Originally a Tory Hewitt soon became a high-profile left-winger and supporter of Tony Benn being classified by MI5 as a communist sympathiser. MI5 classified her a "Communist sympathiser" in the 1970s because of her relationship with William (Bill) Jack Birtles a lawyer.

Originally a Tory Hewitt soon became a high-profile left-winger and supporter of Tony Benn being classified by MI5 as a communist sympathiser. In 2001 Patricia Hewitt joined Blair's cabinet as Secretary of State for Trade and Industry before becoming Health Secretary in 2005 chiefly remembered for getting smoking banned in public places against heavy opposition.