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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
  • 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
  • 59: Sajid Javid on funding the NHS

    59: Sajid Javid on funding the NHS
    Sep 10 2025
    In our third conversation with former health secretaries, we speak to Sajid Javid about the future of the NHS and its long-term funding model. Sajid was Secretary of State for Health and Social Care from 2021 to 2022, before resigning from the Johnson government. He previously served in several cabinet positions, including as Home Secretary and Chancellor. He stepped down as an MP in 2024.

    In conversation with our Chief Executive Jennifer Dixon, Sajid reflects on the challenges facing the NHS and why he believes it’s time to consider alternative ways of funding health care. But what does the evidence about comparable health systems tell us? What are the strengths and weaknesses of social insurance systems? And how can consensus be built on a sustainable funding mix for the NHS in future?

    Show notes

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

    Sajid Javid (2023). We need to agree a new NHS future or 1948 dream dies.

    OECD (2025). How do health system features influence health system performance?

    RAND Corporation (2006). The Health Insurance Experiment.

    Health Foundation (2024). Is the grass really greener?
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    25 mins
  • 58: Alan Milburn on the 10-Year Health Plan

    58: Alan Milburn on the 10-Year Health Plan
    Aug 7 2025
    Is the government’s 10-Year Health Plan the medicine the NHS needs? We ask two former health secretaries.

    In the second of two special episodes, we speak to Alan Milburn about the future of the NHS and his thoughts on the government’s 10-Year Health Plan. Alan was Secretary of State for Health from 1999 to 2003, during the Blair governments, with his tenure seeing the development of the NHS Plan (2000) and record levels of investment. As Lead Non-Executive Director at the Department of Health and Social Care, Alan also had a hand in writing and developing the new plan.

    In conversation with our Chief Executive Jennifer Dixon, Alan reflects on the key challenges facing the NHS today and why he believes the new plan sets the right direction of travel. But is the plan clear enough about how change will be delivered? How will the plan ensure the health service pulls in one direction across varying objectives and programmes? And will the pace of change be sufficient by the time of the next election?

    Show notes

    The Health Foundation (2020). Glaziers and window breakers. Former health secretaries in their own words.

    The Health Foundation (2025). Jeremy Hunt on the 10-Year Health Plan.

    The Health Foundation (2025). 10-year ‘Plan for Change’ or ‘plus ça change’?

    The Health Foundation (2025). Neighbourhood health is the right ambition – but will the 10-year plan deliver?

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