Prevention is the New Cure

92. The Junk food ad ban GIANT loophole

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:50:02 GMT

In episode 92 of THE health and politics podcast: Prevention is the New Cure, former Health Ministers Steve Brine and Lord Bethell discuss the brand new junk food ban, and how fast food companies and others are ALREADY finding loopholes.

They also chat about:

The rollout of Wegovy on the NHS for people with cardiovascular disease, and how this could prevent secondary heart attacks.
The NHS 'brain drain' and job losses for 1,300 members of staff.

Later, Steve and James are joined by DJ partners Tina Woods and Yukari, Co-Founders of Longevity Raves.

They discuss:

What actually is a longevity rave?
The new concept of a Joy Score, and how that might be useful from a medical point of view.
Why social connection is an often forgotten but important part of general practise.
Why James is pro rave?

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This episode is produced by Shortbread Media / Tim Pont and Calum Macdonald

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91. Why Willpower Fails Against Obesity

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:38:43 GMT

Is the UK's health system upside down? In this episode of 'Prevention is the New Cure,' former Health Minister Lord James Bethell and Tony Blair Institute’s Dr. Charlotte Refsum sit down with Professor Susan Jebb (Chair of the Food Standards Agency) to discuss why the UK is failing to prevent chronic disease.

From the "socialisation of acute care" to the biological reality of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, we dive deep into the policy failures and industrial barriers keeping Britain sick. Professor Jebb explains why "willpower" is a myth in a toxic food environment and why the government needs to stop "leaving the food system to Tesco."

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90. 'Digital is not an individual athlete' - LIVE from Re:wired

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 13:17:16 GMT

Episode 90 of THE health and politics podcast, comes LIVE from Digital Health Re:wired!

This episode is sponsored by MASTEK; a company with a 25-year history of working with the NHS and has been trusted to deliver significant national IT infrastructure and data projects across the UK Public Sector.

Former Health Ministers Steve Brine and Lord Bethell are at the NEC among four thousand digital health leaders with very special guests and all the usual insights into how decisions are made.

They begin with the huge response to last week's episode - 'meningitis horror' - and discuss a new vaccine commission getting underway from the Royal Society for Public Health. And the pair consider the new Neighbourhood Health Framework, finally published last week which is the delivery mechanism for the entire ten-year health plan as told to by NHS boss Jim Mackey when he was on the podcast last month.

And they're joined by Sonia Patel - Interim Government Chief Technology Officer (and former NHS England CTO) - as well as Helen Clifton, Executive Director of Products & Platforms at NHS England. Helen is responsible for how the NHS shows up in peoples’ pockets and whether digital actually delivers prevention.

The discussion covers:

The £7.4 Billion NHS digital investment: Where is the money actually going?
Martha’s Rule: How one mother’s campaign is saving hundreds of lives from sepsis.
The Vaccination Gap: Why adult vaccine access is the next big public health challenge.
Consumer Health: Will the NHS App ever be as good as your banking app or a Whoop band?
The Neighborhood Health Framework: Is it a delivery mechanism or just a fantasy?

Connect with the Podcast: 📧 Email: preventionisthenewcurepodcast@gmail.com 📱 WhatsApp: 0333 4046507 ✅ Subscribe for weekly insights from the heart of health politics!

This episode is produced by Shortbread Media / Calum Macdonald with on-site technician services provided by Digital Health Re:wired courtesy of Aztec Events.

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89. Meningitis horror

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:33:24 GMT

In Episode 89, former Health Ministers Steve Brine and Lord Bethell dive into the urgent headlines shaping British healthcare. From the tragic Meningitis B outbreak in Kent to the "productivity paradox" of AI in hospitals, this episode strips back the politics to look at what actually works.

In this episode, we discuss:

The Meningitis B Outbreak: Why a "policy-created" vulnerability gap has left teenagers at risk and what needs to change in the UK’s vaccine strategy.
AI in the NHS: Prof. Jenny Shand (UCL) joins us to debunk the hype. Does "ambient voice technology" actually save money, or just make doctors happier?
Health as Wealth: Lord Bethell previews Patrick Vallance’s landmark speech on treating health as an economic growth engine.
Early Cancer Detection: The truth behind the "Grail" blood test results and why the BMJ is sceptical.
The Parkrun Phenomenon: Celebrating 10 million participants and Steve’s quest to break the 28-minute barrier.

Connect with the Podcast: 📧 Email: preventionisthenewcurepodcast@gmail.com 📱 WhatsApp: 0333 4046507 ✅ Subscribe for weekly insights from the heart of health politics!

This episode is produced by Shortbread Media / Calum Macdonald.

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88. Drugs in Space!

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 13:04:23 GMT

In this episode of Prevention is the New Cure, former Health Ministers Steve Brine and Lord James Bethell join from around the world: James from Blackpool and Steve from North Macedonia.

They dive into the looming GP contract ballot and the threat of industrial action, the "quiet war" on air pollution, and the surprising health outcomes of North Macedonia. James shares a personal announcement regarding his future in the House of Lords and his decision to step away from the hereditary peerage to focus on health innovation.

Stay tuned until the end to hear about the "Pigs in Space" of medicine: manufacturing cancer drugs in microgravity.

In this episode, we discuss:

The health disparity between Blackpool and Notting Hill.
The BMA GP contract referendum: Is a "work to rule" coming?
Why Lord Bethell is leaving the House of Lords.
Air quality: From "dirty air denier" to clean air evangelist.
Bio-Orbit and the future of protein folding and drugs made in space.

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87. Strictly fund the NHS - and prevention!

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 14:24:04 GMT

The £200bn Question: Why Isn’t the NHS Getting Healthier?

In this episode of Prevention is the New Cure, former Health Ministers Steve Brine and James Bethell take analyse the status quo of UK health policy. With NHS spending in England projected to reach £217 billion by 2025/26, the debate isn't about if we have the money, but how we are wasting it.

James Bethell argues that the doubling of the NHS budget over the last 17 years has had "zero impact" on the nation's healthy longevity. We dive deep into why the political obsession with "40 New Hospitals" was a strategic blunder and why the future of the NHS depends on a "Cavalier vs. Roundhead" battle over health data and early intervention.

Also inside This Episode:

The Hospital Trap: Why 80% of funding goes to acute care while community health "puddles" dry up.
The Weight-Loss Jab Dilemma: Is paying GPs to prescribe drugs like Monjuro a breakthrough or "pharma capture"?
The MAHA Movement: We look across the Atlantic at RFK Jr.’s "Make America Healthy Again" initiative as 18 US states move to ban candy and soda from food stamps.
UK Biobank Breakthrough: A major 2026 milestone as 500,000 GP records are finally unlocked for research. Steve Brine reveals the "political fear" that held this back for nearly a decade.
Fighting the Silent Killer: We discuss the £2.6m investment in 20 new DEXA bone scanners—a "tiny" spend that could save the NHS billions in fracture care.

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Prevention is the new cure is produced by Shortbread Media. This week's producer is Calum Macdonald.

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86. Jabs payments missing the point

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 11:03:13 GMT

Can we "prescribe" our way out of a national health crisis?

In this episode, former Health Ministers James Bethell and Steve Brine are joined by Charlotte Refsum (Head of Health at the Tony Blair Institute) to dissect the week's biggest headlines in health policy.

In this episode:

The Tobacco & Vapes Bill: Why 74 Tories voted against the generational smoking ban.
The "Fat Jab" Debate: Should GPs be paid to prescribe GLP-1s, or is there a better way?
National Security: Why "Vaccine Sovereignty" is as important as energy or food security.
NHS Tech: Why the NHS App feels like it’s built for the system, not the patient.

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This episode is produced by Shortbread Media; producer, Calum Macdonald.

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85. Health tech good news and NHS prescribing puppies?

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 12:47:52 GMT

In this episode of Prevention is the New Cure, former Health Ministers Steve Brine and James Bethell chat to Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive of The King's Fund.

Sarah Woolnough argues that health is not made in hospitals — it is shaped by housing, education, environment and regulation. The discussion explores whether the UK needs a fundamental shift away from a “sickness service” towards long-term health investment.

🔍 Key topics include:

Whether Keir Starmer’s proposed social media age limits represent real reform or political signalling
The impact of the Online Safety Act 2023 on child protection
A new £20m addiction and gambling prevention fund
Why health tech innovation struggles inside the NHS
Whether NICE’s new HealthTech Access Programme could transform adoption
Why prevention always loses to acute pressures like A&E and GP access
The political risks of continuing to expand NHS spending without structural reform

Plus: why dog ownership may reduce dementia risk by 40%.

This episode celebrates the third anniversary of the podcast!

Steve and James look back on the different iterations of the show and reflect on three years of the best health and politics podcast around!

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Did you know? This podcast is one of the top health and social care podcasts around. Help make us #1 by following our show today.

This episode is produced by Shortbread Media; production Tim Pont / Calum Macdonald.

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84. NHS Boss Sir Jim Mackey on Prevention, GP Health Checks & his future

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 11:43:55 GMT

In this episode of Prevention is the New Cure, former Health Ministers Steve Brine and James Bethell sit down with Sir Jim Mackey, Chief Executive of NHS England, for a wide-ranging and candid discussion about the future of the NHS.

Sir Jim addresses the crisis facing NHS demand, the limits of hospital-centric care, and why prevention, neighbourhood health systems, and disruptive reform are essential if the NHS is to survive the next decade.

🔍 Key topics include:

Why the NHS “can’t carry on doing things the same way”
The reality behind the 10-Year NHS Plan
Shifting funding from hospitals into community and preventative care
The future of GP health checks — and why GPs are divided
Can prevention really reduce demand on hospitals?
NHS productivity, technology, and patient-owned data
Lessons from Northumbria’s whole-system health model
The role of community pharmacy in prevention
Resident doctors’ strikes and workforce morale
Maternity safety, regulation, and patient trust
How political instability impacts NHS decision-making
oh and his beloved Newcastle Football Club!

This episode goes beyond slogans and gets into the hard trade-offs facing health leaders: money, workforce, culture, and whether the NHS can truly shift from crisis response to prevention.

🎧 Listen, subscribe, and join the conversation

📩 Email: preventionisthenewcurepodcast@gmail.com

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Did you know? This podcast is one of the top health and social care podcasts around. Help make us #1 by following our show today.

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83. Can the NHS deliver its new National Cancer Plan?

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 13:25:07 GMT

A special episode this week of the health and politics podcast, Prevention is the new cure, as Ministers finally publish the National Cancer Plan.

Steve & James talk exclusively to NHS National Clinical Director, Professor Peter Johnson, about the ambition which says 75% of people diagnosed from 2035 will survive long term and meeting the 62-days cancer waiting time standard by the end of this Parliament. In a wide-ranging conversation, they also talk wider cancer prevention, multi-cancer detection tests and the cancer workforce.

And Professor Johnson responds to today's story that testing menstrual blood for signs of cervical cancer could be a new and accurate way of screening for the disease.

In their look at this week's main news in health and politics, the former Ministers consider reports in The Times (£) which claim an 86,000 drop in waiting lists heralded by Ministers was achieved only by removing thousands of patients from the waiting list through a process known as ‘validation'. And they consider the political implications of the BMA's ballot renewal which could see further strike action by Resident Doctors.

You can find former episodes via Podfollow and get us on all our social media channel via LinkTr.

Please remember to follow our show and thanks for listening!

Co-hosts: Steve Brine & James Bethell

Episode producer: Calum Macdonald

This episode is produced as part of the Shortbread Media family of podcasts.

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82. Stroke prevention day

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 16:56:58 GMT

Steve & James return with episode 82 of the health and politics podcast, Prevention is the new cure.

This week, to mark Stroke Prevention Day on Thursday, the guys talk to Juliet Bouverie from the Stroke Association about signs, symptoms and red flags.

And they look ahead to the long-awaited National Cancer Plan which is expected to be published next week. What can we expect from the first plan since 2018?

Also on this episode; the WHO confirms the UK has lost its measles elimination status, James speaking at the counter-fraud conference next month and NHS England is set to significantly enhance its bowel cancer screening programme, aiming to detect thousands more cases at an earlier, more treatable stage.

You can access the archive via Podfollow and find us on all social at our LinkTree page.

You can email the team - preventionisthenewcurepodcast@gmail.com

Thanks for listening!

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81. James leads the charge on kids social media ban

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 12:32:26 GMT

Steve and James return with episode 81 of the health and politics podcast, Prevention is the new cure.

They chat just hours after James (Lord Bethell) led the charge on a debate in the House of Lords which saw Peers vote through an amendment which would ban under-16's from social media across the UK.

Also, as nearly a quarter of hospitals in England report waiting times have worsened since the government published its plan to tackle the backlog a year ago, the pair discuss whether Ministers have chosen the right path given A&E waits - and corridor care - continue to hit the headlines.

And, given the ongoing broader debate around immigration policy as the main parties chase Reform, Steve's Thursday rant focuses on health and care workforce shortages and asks whether we have a race to the bottom healthcare recruitment which is harming the service in the short-term.

Finally, in good news corner, Steve and James talk about an international trial that is examining whether a finger-prick blood test called Bio-Hermes-002 could be used to help diagnose Alzheimer's disease. BBC News story link.

You can email us : preventionisthenewcurepodcast@gmail.com

You can listen to our archive via Podfollow and find our social media channel via LinkTree. And our You Tube channel is here.

Thanks for listening!

Love Steve and James

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80. Wes Streeting says - get it right first time!

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 06:00:00 GMT

The health and politics podcast reaches its 80th episode! Steve and James discuss Kemi Badenoch's social media ban proposal, the high-wire act of negotiating a new GP contract and what Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, meant when he cited GIRFT (get it right first time) at a major conference this week.

Also, this week saw a genuine medical breakthrough as a patient at Manchester Royal Infirmary became the first in the UK to receive a new CAR-T treatment for aggressive blood cancer. The pair discuss what this means.

And James owns up to progress on his 'Dry January' efforts this year!

We welcome your feedback on our discussions and suggestions for what we might discuss next and who we might interview. You can email preventionisthenewcure@gmail.com or find us on any of our social media channels.

You can access our archive via Podfollow.

Thanks for listening to our show.

Love Steve & James

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79. Henry Dimbleby on food and health

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 06:00:00 GMT

For their first episode of 2026, Steve & James pick over the big stories in health and politics this week including the new NHS Online service, junk food advertising ban and the rollout of a new chicken pox vaccine for children.

They also pick up on a huge story concerning Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) after Little Mix star, Jesy Nelson, said her twins had been diagnosed with the rare muscle disease. We talked to Giles Lomax from the charity SMA UK in February 2025 for episode 49.

And we have a great guest to start the year as the author of the UK government's National Food Strategy, Henry Dimbleby, pops in for a chat about 'fat jabs' and how we might get ourselves, and the planet, into shape at the start of the new year. Find Henry on X here.

You can access our archive via Podfollow and find all our social media channels via LinkTree.

Please follow our show for regular updates and get in touch - preventionisthenewcurepodcast@gmail.com

Thanks for your support!

Steve & James

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78. Helen pops in for a festive game with a Kiwi twist

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 13:51:28 GMT

After a busy year, which saw Steve team up with Lord James Bethell for chapter three of THE health and politics podcast, it's time for some festive fun as an old friend joins.

Original co-host, Dr Helen Stokes-Lampard, dials in from her home in New Zealand to play a special game of snap with a Kiwi twist - Yeh / Yeh-Nah - which looks at the current similarities between the two countries in health and politics. Discussion ranges from health service reorganisation and workforce strife to public health outbreaks.

And Pod Surgery makes a one-off return as the pair discuss the flu epidemic hitting England's hospitals and whether it really did come from the southern hemisphere?

You can find our archive courtesy of our Podfollow and follow all our social media channels via our LinkTree page. You can get in touch with the team:

preventionisthenewcurepodcast@gmail.com

Thanks for listening to our show!

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77. How bad is the flu epidemic in our hospitals?

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 06:00:00 GMT

The main story in health and politics this week is the gathering flu epidemic and the impact it is already having on the acute sector. Steve and James talk to Dr Adrian Boyle, immediate past President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, to get a view from the front-line.

They also give their reflections on masks in public (disagree on cycle helmets!) and consider the maternity safety story also making the news this week as Baroness Amos releases her initial findings on her National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation.

And finally, as it's their last episode together before the Christmas break, the pair consider their end of year awards and predictions for 2026.

Thanks for listening; please follow our podcast so it appears in your feed each time a new episode drops.

You can get in touch preventionisthenewcurepodcast@gmail.com and find our many social media channels via our LinkTree page.

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76. Moaning minnies and doctors on strike

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 14:08:30 GMT

As the increasingly bitter war of words between Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, and the British Medical Association hots up James and Steve discuss who really are the 'moaning minnies' of the NHS.

They also consider the Government's new HIV Action Plan, published earlier this week and the highly significant US/UK deal on future medicines announced on Monday.

The former Ministers also reflect on the initial decision from the National Screening Committee NOT to proceed with a new national screening programme for prostate cancer and agree it's soon all eyes (again) on the Secretary of State.

And in other news, Steve reveals a personal detail about his already erected home Christmas tree and James explains why he's pro bongo when it comes to being a DJ.

You can get in touch with your ideas and feedback via our socials Podfollow or LinkTree or email preventionisthenewcurepodcast@gmail.com

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75. Budget politics and health - James Bethell joins!

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 09:49:52 GMT

The health and politics podcast moves into a new chapter as James Bethell joins the team and his first episode is a big one as he and Steve consider Budget 2025.

You can get in touch podcast@stevebrine.com and find our socials via our LinkTree page.

Thanks for listening!

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74. Sarah's retirement bombshell!

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Sarah calls it a day as she swims away into cold water retirement. The pair discuss the latest strikes by Resident Doctors and some new polling from Future Health Research on what the public think about paying more tax at next week's Budget for the NHS.

And they're joined by Sonia Pombo from Action on Salt & Sugar to discuss what we can learn from the 'sugar tax' and how we can use that to reach a consensus with the food industry and government over the harmful effects of a high salt diet, and bring about a reduction in the amount of salt in processed foods.

For their final 'pod surgery' together, Steve and Sarah discuss a major new AI driven project to tackle drug-resistant superbugs, how hundreds of hospice beds are sitting empty due to NHS cut-backs and why children are being hit harder but the current flu wave sweeping across the country.

You can find the podcast on all our social media channels via our LinkTree page and get in touch (including with Sarah) via podcast@stevebrine.com

Chapter Three of this podcast - with Steve and his new co-host James Bethell - returns on Thursday November 27 2025 with a Budget reaction special.

Thanks for listening and good luck to Sarah!

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73. Budget health speculation and long term conditions

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Sarah is away so Steve is on his own for a shortened episode which considers two key pre-Budget considerations for the NHS and welcomes a special guest to talk long-term conditions and the benefits of physical exercise.

Deborah Alsina from The Richmond Group and CEO of Arthritis UK discusses why the Chief Medical Officer described physical activity as a 'miracle cure' for those battling poor health. And the pair consider how the Government's 10 Year Health Plan - and neighbourhood health ambitions - can help.

And much to her surprise, Deborah steps in to join Steve for this week's Pod Surgery which considers vaping overtaking smoking for the first time and a new breath test for pancreatic cancer trial. You heard it here first!

Find us and follow us on our social media channels via our LinkTree page and get in touch podcast@stevebrine.com

Thanks for listening!

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72. Does prevention really save money?

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 14:06:23 GMT

This week Steve and Sarah are joined by Jennifer Dixon of the Health Foundation for a wide-ranging chat about the NHS Ten Year Plan, whether we really can prove there's a cost saving to preventing ill health and her recent time spent with THREE former Health Secretaries.

This week's Pod Surgery considers prostate cancer diagnosis within a day using AI and hairdressers as mental health life savers celebrating the work of The Lions Barbers in Devon.

Oh and on the subject, Sarah drops a bombshell with news she has a cape and a full barbers kit to (lockdown style) cut her grandchildren's hair!

We love to hear from you with suggestions and ideas; find us on all our socials via our LinkTree page and/or email podcast@stevebrine.com

Episode links:

Health Foundation Blog as discussed

Health Foundation letter to the Chancellor ahead of Autumn 2025 Budget

The Lions Barbers Collective

Skip short strolls - a longer daily walk is better for your heart says study

Annals of Internal Medicine

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71. Live episode at The Pharmacy Show

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 16:43:35 GMT

Conference season continues with a special LIVE episode of the podcast from The Pharmacy Show.

Held at the NEC in Birmingham, it is the UK's major gathering for the Pharmacy sector and has been for over a decade. Former Pharmacy Minister, Steve Brine, was there meeting old friends, understanding where pharmacy feels it is 18-months into a Labour Government and hosting a series of events in the Business Theatre for BeWell.

One event, which we also recorded for this podcast, had Steve in conversation with the head of Community Pharmacy England, Janet Morrison.

Feedback welcome; find us on our socials via our LinkTree page or email podcast@stevebrine.com

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70. Are we over-diagnosing mental illness?

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 10:16:42 GMT

Steve Brine and Dr Sarah Wollaston discuss a wide range of stories including the drug pricing row engulfing our life sciences sector, more bad news for Ministers on NHS waiting lists, walk-in GP centres in Scotland and the Rishi Sunak / David Lammy double-act on prostate cancer.

The pair also take a considered look at news, first reported in the Health Service Journal, that Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, is to launch a review of the prevalence of mental illness and neurodivergence. What lies behind it, what might it recommend and does the Prime Minister have a wider agenda?

And Steve takes a moment to mention a brand new charity he is chairing - which gets it launch this evening - Winchester Cancer Sanctuary.

Oh and they consider dogs and their balls; it's a long story ...

Thanks for listening to our podcast; please follow the show and find us on all our social media channels via LinkTree. You can email podcast@stevebrine.com with feedback, ideas and to suggest guests. Contact on behalf of commercial guests are considered on a case-by-case basis and sponsorship opportunities are available.

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69. CARE Show live

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 20:00:00 GMT

This week Steve is on his own for a special LIVE episode of the podcast from The CARE Show at the NEC in Birmingham.

He is joined by two guests; Dr Jan Townson from the Homecare Association and Kehan Zhou from Camascope. They discuss many of the current issues around social care, interaction with the Ten Year Plan and the sectors' vital role in keeping people well for longer. And they consider the role Reform Party politicians are already playing in local government commissioning care services.

The Care Show

Homecare Association

Camascope

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68. Labour Conference special

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 17:45:49 GMT

Steve & Sarah get together to discuss the Labour Party Conference after Steve's first visit to the party's annual gathering in Liverpool. They consider the health announcements made including a pay uplift for care workers and the new 'NHS Online' offer. And they're joined by Baroness Luciana Berger, from the conference, to hear all about a special new temporary select committee to consider the controversial Assisted Dying Bill before Parliament.

You can find our podcast on all our social channels via our LinkTree page.

And you can get in touch with ideas or feedback via podcast@stevebrine.com

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67. Sleep as a key pillar of health

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 15:52:26 GMT

Sarah is away so Lord (James) Bethell joins Steve Brine as guest co-host. The pair reflect on the NHS Ten Year Plan two-months on, the return of provider league tables, the resignation of Claire Fuller as Director of Mental Health at NHSE and the government's junk food advertising ban.

And they are joined by special guest, Alison Gardiner from Sleepstation to talk about their evidence-based digital care pathways for persistent sleep problems.

This episode is sponsored by Sleepstation. In a single month, the service helps more NHS patients than the largest sleep clinics in England treat in an entire year, showing that safe, effective care can be delivered at scale - without losing the human touch that makes it meaningful. Find out more at www.sleepstation.org.uk

You can find our podcast on all the main social media channels via our LinkTree page and contact us at podcast@stevebrine.com

Please remember to 'Follow' our show and thank you so much for listening!

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66. Penny Dash deep dive interview

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 13:23:55 GMT

NHS England Chair, Dr Penny Dash, is in the hot-seat for a very special deep dive interview. This is a wide-ranging chat which covers Penny's journey from clinician to running the entire health service, the abolition of NHSE (and when she really knew it was happening!), the Ten Year Plan and the future of ICB's. They delve into what neighbourhood health really means, whether the NHS will ever achieve its own constitutional standards on waiting times and use of the independent sector in doing so.

They also touch on whether NHS IT, as critical national infrastructure, should sit under the Secretary of State in DHSC as the reorganisation is concluded.

And the trio make a date to speak again - on a beach in Devon - with a swim!

We want to hear from you with your feedback on this interview and suggestions for future episodes; podcast@stevebrine.com or find us on our socials via our LinkTree page.

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65. Golf & Health special

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Steve & Sarah are on their hols so Episode 65 is a special pre-recorded interview Steve did a few weeks back with Dr Andrew Murray from the Golf & Health Project.

It’s a game Steve has played for over 40 years – and played with his late father including for a period after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.

Steve and Andrew talk about the project, how it came about and the work it does to make the case for golf as a sport, a means of physical activity across the ages – and some of its other rather extraordinary – impacts on the lives of the people who play; not least as club in the bag of prevention ill health!

Golf & Health Project

Golf in Society

You can watch a short-film Steve made with Golf & Health, during his time as Public Health Minister in 2018, via You Tube

This episode's cover image shows (from left to right); Dr Andrew Murray, Professor Fiona Bull (WHO Programme Manager, Non-Communicable Disease Prevention), Steve Brine, Annika Sorenstam Major Champion and a global ambassador for golf and health), Martin Slumbers (then Chief Executive of The R&A) and Craig Tracey (then Chair of the All-Party Group on Golf) in Westminster at the International Congress on Golf & Health in 2018.

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64. Tony Blair Institute on the NHS App

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 15:52:35 GMT

This week Steve & Sarah are joined by head of health at the Tony Blair Institute, Dr Charlotte Refsum. They talk about their new report on the potential of the NHS App, obesity 'fat jab' drugs and the NHS Ten Year Plan for England which they have widely influenced.

The pair also look back at their interview with The Loop (Episode 63) about drug taking at UK Summer festivals, as a new Coroner report lands following a death last year at the Boomtown Festival near Winchester.

Other subjects covered in this episode include a look at the ongoing resident doctors strike, the surprise announcement from Dr Sam Roberts that she will step down as CEO of NICE and a 'final' attempt to agree a legally binding global plastics treaty following a landmark report in The Lancet.

Steve & Sarah are taking a break now through August but will return with their next full episode on Thursday September 4 2025. However, do look out for a special recorded episode from Steve on the subject of golf and health which will drop on Thursday August 21 at 08:00.

You can contact us via our many socials via our LinkTree page or get in touch : podcast@stevebrine.com

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63. Drug checking at UK festivals - and striking doctors

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 12:35:41 GMT

For this week's big interview, Steve Brine and Dr Sarah Wollaston talk to Fiona Measham from "The Loop UK" about preventing drug deaths at UK festivals. Their aim is to reduce drug-related harm through healthcare interventions informed by research and drug checking at events - and in city centres. It's a fascinating glimpse into a little talked about aspect of health prevention.

The Loop website

Article - The long and winding road to drug checking in the UK

The pair also talk about the imminent 'resident doctors' strike - which begins tomorrow for five days - and consider the ramifications for the NHS and the Ten Year Plan. And they discuss Gillian Leng's review of Physician and Anaesthetic Associates published this month.

Leng Review

They also cover the Dash Review into patient safety and, in pod surgery, it's measles and how a new study from The Lancet says just 7,000 steps a day cuts health risks.

You can find (and follow) us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and BlueSky and email us podcast@stevebrine.com

Thanks for listening! Next schedule episode drops on August 7 2025.

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62. Matthew Taylor deep dive interview

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 12:09:54 GMT

As the dust settles on the recently published NHS Ten Year Plan, the team sit down for a deep dive interview with one of the most high profile voices in health; Matthew Taylor who leads the NHS Confederation. They unpack the plan, its' strengths and weaknesses and where it should strike the balance between reform and recovery. And they touch on the resident doctors ballot from the BMA which will see five more strike days hit the NHS in England later this month.

NHS Confederation

The Parliament Matters Podcast Steve & Sarah discuss can be found - Parliament Matters.

Feedback and comment very welcome - podcast@stevebrine.com or find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and now Bluesky via our PITNCpodcast | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook | Linktree.

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61. Pod drop - NHS Ten Year 'Plan'

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 15:23:39 GMT

A special 'pod drop' episode, 24-hours after Ministers publish their much anticipated NHS Ten Year Plan. Steve and Sarah discuss what they've spotted among its 168 pages, what they like, what they don't like and look at some of the inherent risks to its success. Feedback welcome - podcast@stevebrine.com

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60. Medical cannabis LIVE episode

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 15:44:27 GMT

A very special episode recorded in front of a live audience at Cannabis Europa London on Tuesday June 24 2025. Steve and Sarah are joined by Tonia Antoniazzi MP, Matt Hughes from the Medcan Family Foundation and Dr Diego Quattrone from King's College, London. The panel discuss the question 'Cannabis and the NHS: will the UK ever see cannabis readily and easily available?' Feedback welcome and we are of course happy to connect listeners with any of our guests - podcast@stevebrine.com

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59. Watercress and health

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 13:32:49 GMT

We return to the studio for Episode 59 and we're talking to Dr Kyle Stewart from Watercress Research about the fascinating work they are doing with watercress. Spoiler alert - it's more than you think! Sarah and Steve also look back at last week's NHS ConFed Expo (from where Steve and Helen Stokes-Lampard recorded a live episode), the possibility of new strikes across the NHS and health tech investment. And pod surgery returns looking at new arrangements for cervical cancer screening and recording your health procedures on your mobile phone! We love hearing from you so please get in touch via socials or podcast@stevebrine.com

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58. ConFed Expo LIVE episode with Helen Stokes-Lampard

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 21:33:07 GMT

Fate brings the original PITNC team back together for a special episode recorded in front of a live audience at ConFed Expo on Thursday June 12 2025. Steve and Helen Stokes-Lampard discuss the spending review, the incoming Ten Year Plan and life in New Zealand's health service. There's also time for a look at assisted dying (here and there), a discussion about 'poo pills' and of course an update on Steve's Labrador, Monty. Feedback (or messages for Helen) on podcast@stevebrine.com

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57. Dame Sally Davies, disposable vapes ban and men's health

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 10:24:36 GMT

The country's top health and politics podcasts is back with another stellar guest - Dame Sally Davies! We talk to Sally about her career which includes being England's Chief Medical Officer and now UK Special Envoy on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), prevention policy, the Salisbury poisonings and the time Steve and Sally went to Argentina! We also reflect on the new Disposable Vapes Act, which came into force on the weekend, and hear about the newest health think-tank focused on men's health.

Feedback, suggestions for future guests and items for 'Pod Surgery' - podcast@stevebrine.com or contact us via socials.

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56. Prof Steve Powis deep dive interview special

Thu, 22 May 2025 11:25:43 GMT

Our second long form interview is with Professor Sir Steve Powis as he heads towards retirement as NHS England's Medical Director after seven years in the role. We find out when he learnt the organisation is to be abolished, what he thinks lies behind the decision and, of course, whether he believes the shift to prevention will happen this time. Steve discusses GLP1 weight loss drugs which are back in the news this week and the new Cancer 360 programme from the NHS among other subjects. And he looks ahead to following the Lions tour Down Under later this yea and taking Steve on at golf!

Feedback (and messages for Steve which we will pass on) welcome via podcast@stevebrine.com

Find and follow us on X @PreventionPodc and LinkedIn www.linkedin/company/preventionpod

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55. Steve in conversation with Kings Fund CEO

Thu, 08 May 2025 06:00:00 GMT

Steve is joined by Sarah Woolnough from The Kings Fund to discuss the latest developments in health and care. This was recorded as part of a webinar for GK Strategy and is shared across the 'Prevention is the new cure' network as a special deep dive interview. Comments welcome - podcast@stevebrine.com

The Kings Fund - www.kingsfund.org.uk

GK Strategy - www.gkstrategy.com

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54. Layla Moran MP social care interview

Mon, 05 May 2025 09:26:29 GMT

On the day the Commons Health & Social Care Select Committee publishes its' first report of the new Parliament - on social care - Steve and Sarah chat with Chair Layla Moran MP about what they describe as the "true cost on inaction". This episode, which is exclusively given over to the interview, discusses the Casey Review, the politics and the hope for meaningful action before the Labour Government face the electorate in 2028/29.

And this is a podcast first as two FORMER chairs interview the CURRENT chair of the select committee! Be in touch with your views, and ideas for future interviews, podcast@stevebrine.com

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53. Dentistry crisis unpacked

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 16:31:51 GMT

This week Steve & Sarah talk dentistry with Neil Carmichael from the Association of Dental Groups. We also hear about hitting small boys on the head with stones, Easter snacking and Steve's night-time grinding. In pod-surgery, the pair discuss health MOT's, a fall in adult vaping and WHO pandemic preparedness. podcast@stevebrine.com

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52. UK's alcohol blind spot

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 06:00:00 GMT

Health prevention royalty joins Steve & Sarah on the pod in an episode supported by the Alcohol Health Alliance (www.ahauk.org).

Sir Ian Gilmore talks about a lifetime making the case for action on alcohol harm - for the NHS and our wider society. We talk the drinking culture in this country, the need for an alcohol strategy and the Swedish model! In pod surgery, the team talk men's health and NHS health-checks, emergency contraception and an NHS that might just knock on your door. Get in touch podcast@stevebrine.com

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NHSE deep dive interview special

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 18:12:58 GMT

Our first long form interview is with Richard Meddings as he steps down from being Chair of NHS England. In his first broadcast interview since leaving the role he talks candidly about how he got the job, the organisation's abolition and the risks of the top-down reorganisation that will follow. He also gives his advice to Wes Streeting, and the Ten Year Plan to come, gives a "punchy" response to last week's Nuffield Trust Social Attitudes Survey and reveals his vision what the UK should do next in health policy. Oh and he tells us what three old guys are going to do next - on a bike! Feedback (and messages for Richard) welcome via podcast@stevebrine.com

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51. You are what you eat!

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 13:15:09 GMT

For this episode, Steve and Sarah reflect on the abolition of NHS England and 50% cuts to Integrated Care Boards. They are joined by Phil Gowland from Whitworths to discuss healthy eating, how the food industry can be part of the solution - and Steve's bad snacking habits. Pod surgery considers Dad bods and trouble brewing for the Assisted Dying Bill. This episode is supported by Whitworths. www.whitworths.co.uk

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50. HIV special from San Francisco!

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 19:18:55 GMT

Sarah is back from her Indian adventure and the pair are joined by Richard Angell from the Terrence Higgins Trust (all the way from San Fran) to talk all things HIV including the impact of US Aid cuts. They also discuss changes at NHS England, giving blood and slushies!

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49. Spinal muscular atrophy interview marks Rare Diseases Day

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 14:18:25 GMT

This week sees Rare Diseases Day 2025 and to mark the moment, Steve and James speak with SMA UK boss Giles Lomax about spinal muscular atrophy and how we have the power to save lives. The pair also consider what is happening with the Government's Ten Year Plan, a worrying new piece of research from CRUK and look ahead to the NHS Winter crisis of 2026 - discuss! You can get in touch with the team via podcast@stevebrine.com or find us on our social media channels.

Note: Steve has worked in an advisory role with organisations who have an interest in both SMA and newborn screening, but the opinions expressed in this podcast which he presents are his own.

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48. Dementia prevention special

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 13:50:21 GMT

For this episode, Steve and Sarah are joined by respected neurologist, Dr Paul Jarman, from UCLH to talk about the prevention of dementia. In a thought provoking discussion, the pair discuss risk factors, lifestyle and of course the new drugs which promise a whole new chapter in the fight against Alzheimer's disease in particular. And Steve raises the thorny issue of mushrooms! Also covered this week; breast cancer and AI, a new health Minister and what is going on at NHSE.

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47. Simon Wessely on the new Mental Health Bill

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 12:07:44 GMT

Steve is joined by his brand new co-host, Dr Sarah Wollaston, for the first time. Sarah was an MP from 2010-2019 and, like Steve, is a former Chair of the Health Select Committee. The pair are joined by Professor Sir Simon Wessely to talk about the new Mental Health Bill going through Parliament and also cover President Trump and the WHO on World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day plus three of the biggest cancers. Oh and they compare puppies!

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46. Social care long grass and a liberal view on drugs with Norman Lamb

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Steve's Conservative / Lib-Dem coalition colleague, Norman Lamb, co-hosts the first episode of 2025. The pair talk NHS winter crisis, social care 'reform, drug consumption rooms and 'sickness to prevention'. Email podcast@stevebrine.com or find us on social media for feedback and suggestions.

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45. Helen returns! Our Christmas special

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 21:20:31 GMT

The original line-up returns as Dr Helen Stokes-Lampard joins Steve Brine for a Christmas special. We hear what Helen did next, talk cricket (!), healthcare in New Zealand and look back at 2024 in UK health and politics. And pod-surgery is back discussing caesarean births and soaring alcohol deaths.

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44. Leadbetter Bill passes and what's on Steve's Santa list?

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 07:00:31 GMT

Dr Sarah Wollaston is a former MP and Chair of the Commons Health Select Committee. She joins Steve to discuss the fallout from MPs voting for the assisted dying / assisted suicide Bill last week, Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) and it's a packed pod surgery. We also find out what wearable health vanity tech is on Steve's Christmas list.

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43. Assisted Dying / Assisted Suicide special with Rachael Maskell MP

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 08:00:02 GMT

Steve's former Select Committee colleague, Labour MP Rachael Maskell, joins as co-host for this special episode which takes a deep dive into the most sensitive of subjects ahead of next week's key vote in the House of Commons. We also talk to Mark Brooks about men's health in this bumper length episode. Want to join the conversation? podcast@stevebrine.com or find us on our socials.

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42. Lord Bethell part two - Budget special

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 08:00:39 GMT

James Bethell returns as Steve's guest co-host to review the Budget they previewed last time. Did they find it to be a prevention focused health special from Rachel Reeves or something less? They deep dive into the statement and also discuss the new NESTA report as well as Covid/Flu jabs. Want to join the conversation? Email podcast@stevebrine.com or find us on our socials.

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41. James Bethell guest co-host

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 07:00:47 GMT

For the first episode of the post-Helen era, Steve is joined by guest co-host (and fellow traveller) Lord James Bethell for the 'Prevention is the new cure' podcast focused on health and politics. The pair discuss the Ten Year Plan 'listening exercise' launched this week, prostate cancer, Ozempic and whether next week's Budget will be a moment grasped - or an opportunity missed - on prevention for Chancellor, Rachel Reeves. Want to join the conversation? Email podcast@stevebrine.com or find us on our socials.

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40. Helen bows out

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 05:00:34 GMT

This week marks two huge milestones, with the 40th episode of 'Prevention is the new cure' and (sadly) Helen's last appearance as co-host alongside Steve before heading to New Zealand to embark on her new journey in the health world. Health news hasn't been quiet though and Steve and Helen delve into some big stories related to assisted dying and ovarian cancer as well as welcoming special 'guest', Nikki Kanani, to hear about the NEKO pilot related early disease detection, Aneira and her role in women’s health. Want to ask a question for next episode? Drop a quick email to podcast@stevebrine.com or find us on social media at 'Prevention is the new cure'.

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39. Reports galore and party conference season

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 05:00:00 GMT

Helen and Steve take delve through a huge host of reports on the future of the NHS, that have been released in the past couple of weeks including the Darzi Review and from The Institute For Public Policy Research and Policy Exchange. As usual Pod Surgery picks up on some of the health headlines from the news this week. Want to ask a question for next episode? Drop a quick email to podcast@stevebrine.com or find us on social media at 'Prevention is the new cure'.

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38. A BIG Darzi shaped health week

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 05:00:24 GMT

Steve and Helen take a deep dive into Lord Ara Darzi's review aimed at identifying the biggest barriers to improving waiting lists, giving their raw and honest assessment of the approach. Also in this week's episode our hosts discuss the launch of a national RSV vaccination programme and a fresh smoking bill hitting Parliament which will outline the new Labour Government's approach on the subject. Want to ask a question for next episode? Drop a quick email to podcast@stevebrine.com or find us on social media at 'Prevention is the new cure'.

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37. Holy Grail, CQC, MPox and puberty blockers

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 05:00:37 GMT

Steve and Helen fresh from their Summer holidays discuss the top new stories of the past couple of weeks, including the CQC, criticisms of GRAIL multi-cancer early detection tests, Mpox and puberty blockers among other things. Want to ask a question for next episode? Drop a quick email to podcast@stevebrine.com or find us on social media at 'Prevention is the new cure'.

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36. Pay rises and new NHS workforce strife

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 05:00:17 GMT

Helen and Steve discuss the pay rises for junior doctors, with the Government hoping this may bring their industrial action to an end, and the signs of further strike trouble ahead with GPs. Joining the pod for a segment on smoking and vaping is Cancer Research UK's Ian Walker who shares his experiences from a recent trip to New Zealand and Australia and the charity's hopes for legislations in the UK. Want to ask a question for next episode? Drop a quick email to podcast@stevebrine.com or find us on social media at 'Prevention is the new cure'.

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35. Cancer special w/ Gemma Peters

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 05:00:45 GMT

Chief Executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, Gemma Peters, joins Helen and Steve on the pod to talk all things cancer and the amazing work that Macmillan Cancer do - including their famous coffee morning month each September. Helen and Steve also delve into the recent political developments in the United States and what they might mean for health on both sides of the ponds, the IT outage that recently hit GP surgeries across the country and the Covid Inquiry. Want to ask a question for next episode? Drop a quick email to podcast@stevebrine.com or find us on social media at 'Prevention is the new cure'.

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34. New Ministers, new Government and new vision

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 05:00:28 GMT

Off the back of an historic election Helen and Steve take a deep dive into Labour's health policy and it's impact on prevention, the NHS and social care. They also cover their thoughts on the new Ministerial appointments including the new Secretary of State, Wes Streeting MP. Want ask a question for next episode? Drop a quick email to podcast@stevebrine.com or find us on social media at 'Prevention is the new cure'.

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33. General Election special

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 05:00:43 GMT

Helen and Steve pick apart the major parties' manifestos ahead of the General Election on Thursday 4th July, they share their hopes and ambitions for the next Government and what the impact might be on health and the NHS. Want ask a question for next episode? Drop a quick email to podcast@stevebrine.com or find us on social media at 'Prevention is the new cure'.

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32. Men's Health Week special w/ Toby Freeman

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 05:00:33 GMT

With Men's Health Week in full force, Helen and Steve welcome Toby Freeman from the Robin Cancer Trust onto the pod to talk about cancer awareness and the charities work. Helen and Steve also cover a host of other stories that have featured in the news and political party manifestos over the past week. Want ask a question for next episode? Drop a quick email to podcast@stevebrine.com or find us on social media at 'Prevention is the new cure'.

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31. A look back on health during the past Parliament

Thu, 30 May 2024 05:00:47 GMT

With the General Election called last week, Steve and Helen take an in-depth look back at health policy in the fourteen years of Conservative Government, as well as the work of the Health and Social Care Select Committee in the past Parliament. The report on the infected blood inquiry, Jersey's new policy on assisted dying and a new junior doctors strike is also covered. Want ask a question for next episode? Drop a quick email to podcast@stevebrine.com or find us on social media at 'Prevention is the new cure'.

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30. Steve and Helen's travels, birth trauma and Coppafeel!

Thu, 16 May 2024 05:00:47 GMT

Helen is back on the podcast joining Steve to cover some of the biggest health stories from the past two week. Steve and Helen share some international prevention news from their recent travels in Sweden and New Zealand. The Podsurgery is once again opened taking questions from listeners. Want ask a question for next episode? Drop a quick email to podcast@stevebrine.com or find us on social media at 'Prevention is the new cure'.

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29. Special w/ Lord Bethell

Thu, 02 May 2024 05:00:08 GMT

With Helen away, former Health Minister and Peer, Lord Bethell, joins Steve on the podcast to discuss the Smoking and Vapes Bill, smartphones and their effect on young people and some of the biggest news stories from the past week. Want ask a question for next episode? Drop a quick email to podcast@stevebrine.com or find us on social media at 'Prevention is the new cure'.

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28. Tobacco and Vapes Bill

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 05:00:05 GMT

Helen and Steve delve into the biggest health news stories from the past couple of weeks. Steve shares his views on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill after just leaving the House of Commons following his speech. Helen picks up on the Cass Report and rising concerns about mental health especially for MPs and other professionals. Want ask a question for next episode? Drop a quick email to podcast@stevebrine.com or find us on social media at 'Prevention is the new cure'.

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27. Special w/ Marcel Gehrung

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 05:00:59 GMT

Steve Brine MP and Helen Stokes-Lampard are joined by Cyted Health CEO and Co-Founder, Marcel Gehrung, to hear about innovations in the diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal cancers they're leading. Cyted's mission is to save lives through early disease detection using non-endoscopic diagnostic technology. Helen and Steve also tackle the assisted dying debate in Scotland and feedback they're experiences at the Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management conference. Want ask a question for next episode? Drop a quick email to podcast@stevebrine.com or find us on social media at 'Prevention is the new cure'.

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26. Cancer research special w/ Harpal Kumar

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 06:00:42 GMT

Steve and Helen welcome the former Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, Harpal Kumar, onto the Pod. Harpal now leads GRAIL who's mission is to detect cancer early, when it can be cured and to improve and save lives. As usual Helen and Steve also pick up the most pressing health news stories of the last two weeks including breast cancer screening, blood sugar monitors and Children with allergies which follows an allergy special last year with Owen's Law campaigners.

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25. Pharmacy special w/ Paul Rees

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 06:00:00 GMT

The Chief Executive of the National Pharmacy Association, Paul Rees MBE, joins the podcast to discuss crisis in community pharmacy and the need for a New Deal for the sector. Helen and Steve also delve into the health side of the Chancellor's 2024 Budget, sharing what they liked and what they thought was missed.

If you have a topic you'd like to see covered in a future episode, contact the team at podcast@stevebrine.com or find us on social media.

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24. Emergency Medicine special w/ Adrian Boyle

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 06:00:24 GMT

The newest guest to join Helen and Steve on the pod is Adrian Boyle, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, to talk about preventing harm in the community in A&E departments.

Steve and Helen also discuss the Government's Pharmacy First programme, the new dental plan, Measles and a host of topical subjects featured in the news over the past two weeks. #PodSurgery also makes a return with Alaskapox.

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23. Special w/ Secretary of State for Health

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 06:00:32 GMT

Steve and Helen are joined by Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Victoria Atkins MP. Victoria talks about the Department's Pharmacy First programme and the landmark announcement banning disposable vapes, as well as taking questions from our listeners. Helen and Steve also discuss the 'imminent' Dental Development Plan and Steve's travels to Manchester with the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee.

Want ask a question for next episode? Drop a quick email to podcast@stevebrine.com or find us on social media at 'Prevention is the new cure'.

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22. Dentistry special w/ Sara Hurley

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 06:00:13 GMT

Steve and Helen welcome the former Chief Dental Officer, Sara Hurley, onto the podcast to cover all things dentistry and oral health, including questions from you, our listeners, and issues facing NHS dentistry. Helen and Steve also pick up on some of the top health news stories from the past couple of weeks.

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21. Junior doctors, NHS dentists and E. coli

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 06:00:00 GMT

Helen and Steve tackle some of the biggest new stories that broke over the Christmas and new year period, including the ongoing pay dispute between junior doctors and the Government, the challenges facing NHS dentistry, Steve's work with the Health and Social Care Select Committee and so much more. Keep close attention to the close as Steve reveals the identity of three very special guests who will be joining the duo on future episodes!

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20. Men's health special w/ Charlie Bethel

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 06:00:56 GMT

Helen and Steve welcome Charlie Bethel, Chief Executive of UK Men's Shed Association, to talk about men's health and specifically men's mental health. Charlie speaks about the 'big society' that Men's Sheds offers the community. Also covered in this week's episode is a major announcement on HIV and AIDS testing and Elton John's campaign behind it and, the vaccine drive to combat whooping cough.

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19. Elton John, Cancer and Tattoos and piercings

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 06:00:11 GMT

It's been a busy few weeks of news for Helen and Steve to sink their teeth into and they kick off this episode discussing the new health ministers' roles and an end to industrial action. They also break down the disappointing news out of New Zealand regarding a U-turn on their revolutionary smoking policy and it's possible impact on the UK's own policy. Steve also talks about two major events in Parliament this week namely his debate on regulatory controls in tattoos and piercings and Elton John coming to Parliament for a major HIV and AIDS announcement.

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18. Breast cancer special w/ Delyth Morgan

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 06:00:05 GMT

Helen and Steve are back breaking down the news of the past two weeks including the Kings Speech; and what was included and missed, the cabinet reshuffle and what that might mean for health policy and a number of recent news stories. Also joining Helen and Steve is Delyth Morgan, CEO of Breast Cancer Now.

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17. Special w/ Jeremy Hunt MP

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 05:00:50 GMT

The episode you've all been waiting for here is finally here! Chancellor of the Exchequer and former Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt MP, joins Steve and Helen on the podcast to talk all things strikes, NHS Workforce Plan and cancer. The Chancellor also joins the Pod Surgery to take questions for you, our listeners. Steve and Helen also discuss the Health Committee's work visit to Singapore as part of the inquiry into future cancer, Helen attending a key AI strategy summit at Bletchley Park and dentistry.

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16. Smoking, party conferences and Steve in Ghana

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 05:00:00 GMT

Steve and Helen delve into the details coming out of Party conference season including the major announcement by the Prime Minister that children turning 14 or younger this year can never legally be sold cigarettes in their lifetime. The episode also takes a look at the Liberal Democrat's 'Transforming the Nation's Health' plan. Other topics include Steve's time in Ghana which involves a deeper look at HIV and AIDS, maternal health and the fight against malaria. Pod Surgery opens once again to hear from Clare and Vijay.

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15. HIV Special w/ Kevin Fenton

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 05:00:41 GMT

Steve and Helen are back for another week to get to the bottom of the current health news, discussing strikes, developments for Martha's Rule, Covid-19 boosters and rumours of a disposable vaping ban. Kevin Fenton, Regional Director, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (London), Government’s Chief Advisor, HIV overseeing implementation of the HIV Action Plan and President of the Faculty of Public Health joins the pod to talk HIV, PrEP and STDs.

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14. Heat, Martha's rule and cancer

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 05:00:01 GMT

Steve and Helen brave the heat for the most recent episode of Prevention is the new cure to tackle some of the biggest health news stories of the past week. Tune in to hear about the story behind Martha's Rule, the news that cancer cases are surging in under 50s and the dangers of heatwaves. Pod Surgery is also back to discuss 'what success looks like for the Secretary of State ahead of the next election".

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13. Allergies special w/ Owen's law

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 05:00:55 GMT

Steve and Helen are back with another special as they welcome the campaigners behind Owen's Law, Emma Kocher and Paul Carey, to learn more about the danger of allergies and the need for better information and warnings in restaurants. As usual this episode also covers the news of the day including Lucy Letby's horrific murder of seven babies, cancer labels on bras and pants and progress in identifying prostate cancer.

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12. Summer holidays special

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 05:00:12 GMT

In this Summer holiday special, Helen and Steve cover a variety of topics including weight loss, malaria and the ever present Covid-19. The duo also delve into the decision behind increasing numbers of UK doctors heading down under. Pod Surgery is back with dogs, sun cream, steps and flip-flops!

17mins 24mins 30mins

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11. Special w/ David Haslam and David Pendleton

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 05:00:46 GMT

Helen and Steve are straight back to business after a short break as they delve deeper into the workforce plan and public sector pay. They also discuss measles, vaccinations and the UK's aging population before welcoming Professor Sir David Haslam and Professor David Pendleton to discuss wider issues in healthcare and Sir David's new book.

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10. NHS Workforce special

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 08:26:32 GMT

Steve and Helen take a deep dive into the NHS workforce plan following its grand unveiling last week and also reflect on a major week of celebration and thanksgiving for the NHS for it's 75th anniversary.

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9. NHS Confed special w/ Matthew Taylor

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 05:00:07 GMT

The CEO of the NHS Confederation, Matthew Taylor, is the latest guest on Steve and Helen's podcast to talk all things prevention, NHS Confed and his time in Tony Blair's Downing Street.

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8. Sex and the weather

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 05:00:58 GMT

Sex and weather are on the table in this week's episode, as Helen and Steve take a deeper look at the record breaking infections of gonorrhoea and syphilis. Also covered are developments in the fight against illegal vaping, the upcoming workforce plan and the dangers of heart disease.

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7. Body image special w/ Dr Luke Evans MP

Thu, 25 May 2023 05:00:00 GMT

Dr Luke Evans MP is the latest guest on the podcast as he talks more about his body image campaign and Steve and Helen break down the related prevention issues. Other key issues covered are the latest Junior Doctors strike action, illegal vaping and Chelsea Flower Show.

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6. Diabetes special w/ Chris Askew

Thu, 11 May 2023 05:00:55 GMT

In this episode Steve and Helen take an in depth look the Government's newly announced Primary Care Recovery Plan and also welcome the Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, Chris Askew, to have a special discussion on diabetes and specifically type 2 diabetes. Steve, Helen and Chris also open the Pod Surgery covering the sugar tax and bariatric surgery.

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5. Vaccination and Dental care: Disentangling the myths and facts

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 05:00:36 GMT

Steve and Helen delve into the world of vaccinations and dentistry as they separate out myth from fact. They also cover the new phenomenon of 'activity snacking' and open the Pod Surgery to hear feedback from the smoking and vaping special as well as touch on workforce issues in the NHS.

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4. Smoking and vaping special w/ Deborah Arnott

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 05:00:04 GMT

Episode 4 of Prevention is the new cure sees Steve and Helen talk ongoing industrial action by junior doctors, the infected blood inquiry and Parkinson's, as well as welcoming their second guest onto the show in the form of the Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), Deborah Arnott.

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3. Strikes, laughing gas and Steve's dream

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 09:31:28 GMT

Steve and Helen talk junior doctor strikes, the issues surrounding Nitrous Oxide and open the Pod Surgery to cover alcohol harm

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2. Cancer special w/ Cally Palmer

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 06:00:01 GMT

Steve and Helen welcome their first guest onto the podcast as they talked cancer with the National Cancer Director, Dame Cally Palmer. Steve and Helen also gave their immediate budget reactions and discussed the junior doctors strike.

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1. Podcast from across the pond

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 06:00:46 GMT

Helen and Steve talk end of life care, technology, cancer and open the "pod surgery" to talk diabetes, obesity and dentistry.

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Pilot

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 18:07:34 GMT

Helen and Steve talk strikes, prevention and the start of an interactive "pod surgery".

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