Prevention is the new cure

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.comFind and follow us on X @PreventionPodc and LinkedIn www.linkedin/company/preventionpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.comThe Kings Fund - www.kingsfund.org.ukGK Strategy - www.gkstrategy.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.