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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 Political Science Politics & Government Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • 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
  • 57: Jeremy Hunt on the 10-Year Health Plan

    57: Jeremy Hunt on the 10-Year Health Plan
    Jul 29 2025
    Is the government’s 10-Year Health Plan the medicine the NHS needs? We ask two former health secretaries.

    In the first of two special episodes, we speak to Jeremy Hunt about the state of the NHS and his reaction to the government’s 10-Year Health Plan. Jeremy was Secretary of State for Health and Social Care between 2012 and 2018, in the Cameron and May governments, making him the longest serving health secretary to date. He later served as foreign secretary (2018–2019) and Chancellor of the Exchequer (2022–2024).

    In conversation with our Chief Executive Jennifer Dixon, Jeremy reflects on his time as health secretary and whether he believes the new plan presents a coherent blueprint for reform. Does the plan strike a positive balance between top-down targets and decentralisation? Will the decision to scrap NHS England and cut the numbers of ICBs help or hinder delivery? And what is the future role of regulation in improving patient safety and care quality?

    Show notes

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

    Nuffield Trust (2025). Exploring earnings of NHS doctors in England.

    The Health Foundation (2025). Taking a chainsaw to NHS England is not the sign of a healthy state.

    HSJ (2025). Cuts to ICBs and NHSE slammed by ex-health secretary.

    HSJ (2025). Patient Safety Watch: Dash Review opens a crucial door.

    BMJ (2025). Government’s 10 year plan for the NHS in England.
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    19 mins
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