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The Health Foundation podcast

The Health Foundation podcast

By: The Health Foundation
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 Interviews with experts and high-profile guests discussing the most important issues affecting the future of health and care for people in the UK.The Health Foundation Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease Political Science Politics & Government Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • 62: 2025: the year in health policy and politics – with Hugh Alderwick and Rachel Sylvester

    62: 2025: the year in health policy and politics – with Hugh Alderwick and Rachel Sylvester
    Dec 11 2025
    The year saw the arrival of the long-awaited 10-Year Health Plan – a dizzying array of proposals spanning NHS structures, services, staffing and more. Government missions were downgraded; another review of social care was announced; and further hopes pinned on the transformative potential of tech.

    But how is progress overall? Is the government’s rhetoric on reform matching reality? And what should be at the top of government’s list of priorities in 2026?

    To discuss, our Chief Executive, Jennifer Dixon, is joined by:

    • Rachel Sylvester, Political Editor of The Observer.
    • Hugh Alderwick, Director of Policy and Research at the Health Foundation.
    Show notes

    Health Foundation (2025). Dazed and confused? Policy ideas behind the 10-Year Health Plan.

    Policy Exchange (2025). The NHS – a suitable case for treatment?

    The Observer (2025). Poor families of babies brain-damaged at birth given lower payouts than richer parents.

    UK government (2025). 10-Year Health Plan for England: fit for the future.

    Health Foundation (2024). Is the grass really greener?

    Health Foundation (2024). Priorities for an AI in health care strategy.

    Health Foundation. Public perceptions of health and social care.

    Times Health Commission (2024). Times Health Commission: A report into the state of healthcare in Britain today.

    UK government (2024). Plan for change: Milestones for mission-led government.
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    39 mins
  • 61: AI in health care: an update from the US

    61: AI in health care: an update from the US
    Nov 10 2025
    How can AI be implemented safely and effectively? We look to the US for clues.

    AI is going to have a huge impact on health and care. In England, the government’s 10-Year Health Plan aims to make the NHS ‘the most AI-enabled care system in the world’. But with AI innovations coming thick and fast, and the health technology market awash with unproven tools, how can implementation be done responsibly, ensuring patient safety, care quality and value for money?

    The US leads the world in investment, development and implementation of AI in health services. So, what lessons can we learn from the American experience? What is the state’s role in regulating AI technologies in health; how can these innovations be robustly evaluated at speed; and how could AI be used to boost population health?

    To discuss, our Chief Executive Jennifer Dixon is joined by:

    • Andrea Palm, former Deputy Secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services (2021–25) where she led the development of the Department’s strategic plan for AI in health and care.
    • Andrew Bindman, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Kaiser Permanente, one of the US’s largest integrated health care systems.
    Show notes

    • Health Foundation (2025). Event: AI in the NHS 2025.
    • Health Foundation (2024). Priorities for an AI in health care strategy.
    • NEJM Catalyst (2024). Ambient AI scribes to alleviate burden of clinical documentation.
    • Kaiser Permanente (2025). AI in healthcare: 7 principles of responsible use.
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    38 mins
  • 60: The upcoming national cancer plan – and lessons from Denmark

    60: The upcoming national cancer plan – and lessons from Denmark
    Oct 9 2025
    We've seen real progress in cancer care in the UK: survival rates have doubled since the 1970s and death rates have fallen by around a fifth. But cancer still causes around 25% of all deaths today – and services are facing big challenges. Cancer survival in the UK lags other similar health systems, the rate of improvement in survival has slowed, and cancer cases are set to rise substantially over the coming decade.

    25 years ago, Denmark had poor cancer outcomes compared with many European countries. Since then, bold policy action and investment has seen its cancer outcomes improve markedly, surpassing the UK. So as a new national cancer plan for England is developed, where should policymakers be focusing? And what can be learned from Denmark’s progress?

    To discuss, our Chief Executive Dr Jennifer Dixon is joined by:

    • Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK
    • Jesper Fisker, Chief Executive of the Danish Cancer Society.
    Show notes

    Cancer Research UK (2025). Cancer in the UK – Overview 2025.

    European Commission/OECD (2025). Country Cancer Profile – Denmark 2025.

    Cancer Research UK (2024). Leading on Cancer: the case for dedicated strategy and leadership across the UK.

    BBC (2025). What the NHS can learn from the European country that helped more people survive cancer.

    OUP (2022). Successful Public Policy in the Nordic Countries – Cancer Treatment Policy in Denmark.
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    30 mins
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