Voices of Care

In this compelling episode of the Voices of Care podcast, host Suhail Mirza sits down with Stephen Burns, Executive Director of Care, Inclusion and Communities at Peabody Trust, for an urgent conversation about the future of social housing and care. Stephen delivers a stark warning about the mounting pressures facing housing associations that are threatening their ability to build desperately needed social housing, support residents' care needs, and help ease NHS capacity issues. After what he describes as "difficult 15 years" that have left specialist services "cut to the bone," Stephen makes a direct appeal to the government for immediate action.

In this inspiring episode of Voices of Care, we speak with Professor Kevin Fenton CBE, President of the UK Faculty of Public Health, London's Public Health Director and Statutory Health Advisor to the Mayor of London, about the transformative power of public health as both an art and a science. With decades of experience, Kevin provides crucial insights into how organised societal efforts can tackle health inequalities and create fairer communities for all. He discusses structural racism as a public health issue, shares London's remarkable success stories in HIV prevention and tobacco control and explores the exciting opportunities ahead with increased government investment in prevention over treatment. 

In this compelling episode of Voices of Care, host Suhail Mirza speaks with Andrew Bland, Chief Executive of NHS South East London Integrated Care Board. As NHS satisfaction hits its lowest level since records began in 1983, Bland presents his vision for a Neighbourhood Health Service to transform London's healthcare landscape. Addressing the "perfect storm" of economic inactivity and health inequalities facing Londoners, he outlines a bold community-based approach that could rebuild trust and deliver better outcomes. With 20% of adult Londoners economically inactive and primary care in crisis, Bland shares insights from his 25 years in healthcare and explains how locally relevant, responsive services could address the capital's unique challenges while supporting Wes Streeting's "left shift" in NHS priorities.

In this eye-opening interview, social care entrepreneur Dr. Robert Kilgour delivers a brutally honest assessment of the UK's social care crisis. Alongside host Suhail Mirza, Dr. Kilgour examines alleged double standards in commissioning and the lack of business experience on the Government frontbench, while proposing his innovative "specialist regional model" for the care home sector. This industry legend reveals the dire challenges threatening social care - from unsustainable funding models to the looming wave of care home closures that could devastate communities across Britain.

In this revealing episode of Voices of Care, Sam Monaghan, CEO of MHA (Methodist Homes) shares powerful insights on the distinctive role of spiritual care in supporting older adults, the creative possibilities within a challenging charity landscape, and his urgent vision for social care reform. He also addresses the stark funding reality facing social care organisations and presents his blueprint for meaningful reform that would properly recognise carers' skills and dedication. A must-watch for anyone interested in the future of care in Britain and the vital role of charitable organisations in supporting our ageing population.

In this episode of the Voices of Care podcast, former Deputy Prime Minister and Social Care Foundation Chair Damian Green discusses pressing issues facing social care. Drawing from personal experience and policy expertise, Green addresses funding challenges, workforce recruitment, generational fairness, and the need to focus on prevention rather than the cure. With candid analysis of political failures and practical solutions, Green makes a compelling case for an urgent need for reform

In this engaging episode of the Voices of Care podcast, Priory Group CEO Rebekah Cresswell explores the UK's mental health crisis, innovations in social care, and transforming services for those with autism and learning disabilities. Drawing from both NHS and private sector experience, she shares powerful patient stories, discusses workforce challenges, and explains how collaborative approaches can improve outcomes while reducing costs.

In this episode of #VoicesofCare, we're joined by Jenni Douglas-Todd, Chair of Dorset Integrated Care System, Jenni shares insights from leading Dorset's Integrated Care Board, addressing winter pressures, and tackling health inequalities. Alongside host Suhail Mirza, Jenni emphasises the importance of prevention, community engagement, and technological innovation while championing equality and diversity in the NHS.

We welcome, Neil Carberry, CEO of the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC), back to Voices of Care. Neil joins host Suhail Mirza for a candid conversation about workforce challenges and practical solutions for the future of healthcare staffing. They explore misconceptions about agency costs, the importance of flexible working options for healthcare professionals, and why blanket restrictions on agency staffing could cost more than they save.

In this powerful episode of the #VoicesofCare podcast, host Suhail Mirza is joined by Sue Ryder CEO, James Sanderson. They explore the current crisis in end-of-life care, the £8 billion economic impact of grief, and Sue Ryder's bold vision for integrating hospice care into hospitals. Their in-depth discussion covers vital topics impacting healthcare in the UK, such as the need for better palliative care funding, the importance of advance planning for end-of-life wishes, and practical solutions to ensure no one faces death or grief alone.

We welcome Louise Stead, Chief Executive of Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, back to #VoicesofCare for another insightful episode. Louise offers a candid exploration of the healthcare landscape. She highlights critical challenges facing the NHS, including nursing workforce shortages, technological innovation, and the upcoming ten-year plan. Louise provides a nuanced perspective on leadership, cultural transformation, and the future of healthcare, drawing from her extensive experience as an NHS chief executive and offering valuable insights into the complex world of healthcare management.

In this insightful episode of the Voices of Care podcast, Professor Oonagh Smith (CEO of Skills for Care) and Sir David Pearson (Co-Chair, Skills for Care) tackle the critical challenges facing the social care workforce, unveiling a comprehensive strategy to address recruitment issues, skills development, and future needs. They discuss the urgent need to transform social care, emphasising the potential to provide meaningful, flexible careers that support an evolving population with increasingly complex care requirements.

In this Voices of Care podcast, GMC Chief Charlie Massey discusses the expanding roles of physician associates, concerns around medical workforce inequality and retention, and the importance of compassionate leadership in addressing these challenges. Massey outlines the GMC's regulatory priorities and the broader reforms underway as the NHS navigates workforce pressures and aims to deliver high-quality, equitable patient care.

On this episode of the Voices of Care podcast, Rima Makarem, Chair of Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, discusses transforming healthcare delivery, tackling health inequalities, improving mental health services through digital innovation, and creating new pathways for workforce development. With her unique background in life sciences and healthcare leadership, Rima offers valuable perspectives on the future of the NHS and social care integration.

In this episode of the Voices of Care podcast, NHS England Chair Richard Meddings discusses the current state and future of the NHS with host Suhail Mirza. He highlights record levels of healthcare delivery despite challenges, major structural changes to improve efficiency, and key priorities like workforce planning and technological innovation. Meddings also shares his vision for leveraging tools like the NHS app, AI, and genomics to transform patient care.

In this thought-provoking episode of the Voices of Care podcast, Professor Joy Warmington, CEO of brap, discusses the critical issue of racism in healthcare with host Suhail Mirza. Warmington challenges conventional thinking, arguing that we must move beyond simply being "not racist" to actively "anti-racist." She unpacks complex topics including race as a social construct, systemic barriers in healthcare, and the distinction between transactional and transformational change. With a focus on creating truly inclusive environments, Warmington offers insights on courageous leadership and paints an inspiring vision for a more equitable NHS that confidently embraces its diversity.

In this episode of Voices of Care, host Suhail Mirza interviews Andrea Kinkade, CEO of Lifeways Group. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in the UK's social care sector, focusing on services for adults with complex needs. Kinkade shares insights on improving hospital discharge, the importance of personalised care, and the need for better recognition of social care expertise.

In this episode of Voices of Care, host Suhail Mirza interviews Mark Cubbon, CEO of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. They discuss the scale and services provided by the trust, the need to plan for a growing and diverse population in Manchester, and the importance of collaboration and innovation to drive the future of social care. Mark also talks about addressing health inequalities with initiatives to inspire future healthcare professionals, support employment opportunities, and ensure accessible services.

In the latest episode of the Voices of Care podcast, host Suhail Mirza interviews Salma Yasmeen, CEO of Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust. They discuss the trust's comprehensive mental health and learning disability services, the challenges and improvements in mental health care, and the importance of integrated care systems. Salma shares insights on workforce development, addressing health inequalities, and her involvement in the Pathways to Work Commission.

On this episode of the Voices of Care podcast, Sarah Woolnough, CEO of the King's Fund, discusses the challenges and opportunities facing the NHS and social care in England. She shares insights on health inequalities, the importance of prevention, and the need for bold leadership to drive transformative change in the healthcare system.

Caroline Clarke, NHS England's Regional Director for London, discusses the future of healthcare in the capital. From digital-first strategies and community-based care to addressing health inequalities, Clarke shares insights on London's diverse health challenges and innovative solutions. She highlights the importance of public engagement, technological advancements, and cross-sector collaboration in improving health outcomes for Londoners.

In this episode of Voices of Care, host Suhail Mirza interviews Charles Gore, executive director of the Medicines Patent Pool. Gore discusses the organisation's mission to increase access to affordable medicines in low and middle-income countries through voluntary licensing agreements with pharmaceutical companies. He explains their work in HIV, hepatitis C, and tuberculosis, as well as their expansion into COVID-19 treatments and non-communicable diseases.

Professor Habib Naqvi MBE, Chief Executive at NHS Race and Health Observatory, joins us on #VoicesofCare to discuss tackling racial health inequalities in the UK healthcare system. He explores key issues like maternal health disparities, mental health access, workforce diversity, and the importance of data-driven approaches. Professor Habib highlights the Observatory's work in addressing systemic racism in healthcare and fostering international collaboration to drive meaningful change.

In this episode of the Voices of Care podcast, Pritesh Mistry, Fellow at the King's Fund discusses cutting-edge developments in healthcare technology with host Suhail Mirza. Pritesh explores the NHS Federated Data Platform, leadership challenges in digital healthcare, bridging the digital divide, AI's potential in patient care, and technology's role in social care.  

In this special episode of Voices of Care, host Suhail Mirza interviews three leading experts in social care: Professor Vic Rayner, Professor Martin Green, and Dr. Jane Townsend. They discuss the pressing issues facing the social care sector, including workforce challenges, funding problems, and the need for better integration. They offer insights on potential solutions, such as improving commissioning practices, investing in technology, and elevating the status of care work. They also touch on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and provide recommendations for the government to address the sector's long-standing issues.  

On this episode of the Voices of Care podcast, James Tugendhat, CEO of HC-One, discusses the challenges and opportunities in social care. Alongside host Suhail Mirza, James explores HC-One's initiatives to improve dementia care, develop the nursing workforce, and implement digital care platforms. Tugendhat shares insights on addressing the growing demand for social care, attracting investment for new care homes, and the importance of integrated care systems.

Professor Deborah Sturdy, Chief Nurse for Social Care in England, features on this episode of Voices of Care. Alongside host, Suhail Mirza, Professor Sturdy discusses her work as Chief Nurse for Social Care, the critical role of nursing in social care settings, and the vital need to change perceptions around social care nursing.

This episode of the #VoicesofCare podcast features Professor Vic Rayner, CEO of the National care Forum. Alongside host Suhail Mirza, Vic discusses the work of the National Care Forum, the challenges facing the social care sector, and the importance of thinking about social care first. They also explore the need for improvement in pay and terms and conditions for care workers, the role of not-for-profit organisations in social care, and the potential of technology in transforming the sector.

This episode of the Voices of Care podcast features Joseph Musgrave, CEO of Home and Community Care Ireland (HCCI). Alongside host Suhail Mirza, Joseph discusses the transformation of social care in Ireland, the growing importance of home care, and the challenges posed by an ageing population. Joseph also shares insights on policy changes following upcoming elections in the UK and Ireland, funding models, and the critical need for a sustainable approach to social care. 

Dr Ian Gargan, CEO of the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN), and Pooja Rupalia-Seyani, Analytics Manager at PHIN, feature on this episode of the Voices of Care podcast. Alongside host Suhail Mirza, Dr Ian and Pooja discuss the importance of data in healthcare, the need for collaboration between the NHS and the private acute sector, and PHIN's progress in delivering the CMA Order.  

Sir Ed Davey, Leader of the Liberal Democrats and MP for Kingston and Surbiton, features on this episode of #VoicesofCare. Alongside host, Suhail Mirza, Sir Ed discusses his personal connection to care, the pressing need for long-term social care reforms, the Liberal Democrats' vision for transforming social care, and the challenge of tackling the country's health inequalities.  

Michelle Gorringe, co-founder of Newcross Healthcare and its first Chief Ethical Officer, features on this episode of the Voices of Care podcast. Alongside host Suhail Mirza, Michelle discusses her new role as Newcross' Chief Ethical Officer, her nursing journey as well as the journey of Newcross Healthcare, FuturU and healthcare education provision, and the importance of supporting wellbeing for healthcare professionals.

Professor Geeta Menon, Chair of the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) Grand Advisory Council, features on this episode of the Voices of Care podcast. Alongside host Suhail Mirza, Geeta discusses the challenges faced by international medical graduates, gender inequality in the medical profession, the role of technology in medical education and leadership in healthcare. 

Andrea Sutcliffe, CEO at the Nursing and Midwifery Council features on this episode of Voices of Care. Alongside our host, Suhail Mirza, Andrea shares her experiences and expertise in the healthcare landscape, discussing topics ranging from the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, the significance of inclusion for nurses and patient wellbeing, leadership in healthcare, and the challenges faced by the NMC in 2023. 

Tadgh Daly, Chief Executive Officer of Nursing Homes Ireland, features on this episode of Voices of Care. Alongside our host, Suhail Mirza, Tadgh discusses increased workforce pressures, the impact of nursing home closures on the sector, lack of funding, ever-changing age demographics of the healthcare population, as well as the positive contributions of the nursing home sector.

Professor David Laughton, Group CEO at Royal Wolverhampton & Walsall NHS Trust features on this episode of Voices of Care. Alongside our host, Suhail Mirza, David discusses his extensive experience, challenges faced by the NHS, leadership and culture, and potential strategies for improvement in the healthcare system.

Patricia Higgins, CEO of the Northern Ireland Social Care Council, features on this episode of Voices of Care. Alongside our host, Suhail Mirza, Patricia discusses workforce pressures faced in social and health care, Northern Ireland Social Care Council's Strategic Plan for 2023 to 2027, as well as the Social Care Collaborative Forum. 

Anna Severwright, co-convenor at Social Care Future, features on this episode of Voices of Care. Alongside our host, Suhail Mirza, Anna discusses the need for social care to focus on enabling individuals to lead a "gloriously ordinary life", Social Care Future's vision and the need for co-production to reshape social care.

Jackie Irvine, Chief Executive of the Care Inspectorate, features on this episode of #VoicesofCare. Alongside our host, Suhail Mirza, Jackie discusses the Care Inspectorate's work across Scotland's health and social care sector, the current challenges faced post-pandemic, and the importance of continuous innovation and collaboration with service users and providers.

Clare Teeney, Chief People Officer at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, features on this episode of #VoicesofCare. Alongside our host, Suhail Mirza, Clare discusses the implementation of the NHS workforce plan, the significance of inclusion and diversity in workforce recruitment, as well as the future of training and education within healthcare.

Pauline Shepherd, CEO at the Independent Health and Care Providers in Northern Ireland, features on this episode of Voices of Care. Alongside our host, Suhail Mirza, Pauline discusses the role of the independent sector amidst the current workforce crisis in healthcare, inclusion & the need to promote social care as a career.

Mary Wimbury, CEO at Care Forum Wales, features on this episode of Voices of Care. Alongside our host, Suhail Mirza, Mary discusses the state of the social care sector in Wales, fees and funding, as well as what the future of the care workforce in Wales might look like.

Philip Luce, CEO at Bupa Cromwell, features on this episode of Voices of Care. Alongside our host, Suhail Mirza, Philip discusses the role of the independent acute sector, the fierce competition for workforce, and the sector's bounce back from the Covid period.

Karen Bonner, Chief Nurse at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust features on this episode of Voices of Care. Alongside our host, Suhail Mirza, Karen discusses the promise and the provisions of the NHS long-term workforce plan, and the thorny issue of how to create a truly inclusive culture.

In this episode we're joined by Charlie Massey, CEO at the General Medical Council. Charlie sits down with our host, Suhail Mirza, to discuss the unprecedented workforce pressure and burnout the medical profession is facing, and the transformation envisaged by the NHS workforce plan.

Dr Rowena Christmas, Chair at The Royal College of General Practitioners Wales features on this episode of Voices of Care. Rowena sits down with host Suhail Mirza to discuss the transformation of the primary care sector in Wales & the prominent roles GPs will face within it.

Toby Lewis, CEO at Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust, features on this episode of Voices of Care.  Toby sits down with Suhail to discuss health inequalities, retention, the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, recruitment pathways and more.  

Dr Ian Gargan, CEO at Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) sits down with Voices of Care host Suhail Mirza to discuss the current status of the independent sector and the role it can play in supporting the NHS.

Siva Anandaciva, Chief Analyst at The King's Fund, joins Voices of Care host Suhail Mirza this week to offer his insight into funding, international comparisons, the state of clinical facilities and more.

Former Secretary of State for Health and Chair of Public Policy Projects Stephen Dorrell is our guest on #VoicesofCare this week. Stephen and host Suhail Mirza explore the issues facing healthcare, and what their solutions could look like, in this insightful episode.

Matthew Kershaw, CEO of Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, joins Suhail Mirza on the first episode of Voices of Care: Season 2. Matthew boasts more than 30 years' experience in healthcare and sits down with Suhail to discuss topics such as integration, transformation, partnerships and health inequalities.