Health On The Line

Author and journalist Isabel Hardman discusses how from its inception the NHS has always had a unique political undercurrent running alongside the day-to-day healthcare challenges. On the launch of her new book on the history of the NHS, she reveals how successive governments and health ministers have approached the challenge of dealing with one of the UK’s most beloved institutions. Isabel’s new is book is “Fighting for Life: The Twelve Battles that made our NHS” 

A year on from their establishment as statutory organisations, how are integrated care systems (ICSs) getting on? In this episode, Matthew Taylor puts the question to three system leaders, exploring what's working well, what remains to be solved and the difference system working is making locally – to patients, communities and staff. Recorded at NHS ConfedExpo just ahead of the government’s response to the Hewitt review, the conversation explores the issues of accountability and autonomy and where next for systems.Hear from Amanda Sullivan, chief executive of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB, Kevin Lavery, chief executive of Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB and Patrick Vernon, interim chair of Birmingham and Solihull ICB.

Do we truly appreciate what is possible when primary care entrepreneurship is unlocked? In this episode, Matthew Taylor goes behind the scenes at Thistlemoor Medical Practice, a pioneering general practice in Peterborough led by Dr Neil Modha. Serving an inner-city population of close to 30,000, the practice has radically evolved its approach to meet local needs. Discover how the practice and wider primary care and system partners are working together to improve population health, reimagine the workforce, redesign pathways and adopt a more proactive approach to care. With the much anticipated workforce plan on the horizon, Dr Modha considers what it must enable and how, on the eve of the Fuller stocktake’s first anniversary, he is putting the principles into reality.Dr Modha is also clinical director of the Central Thistlemoor PCN, chair of Greater Peterborough Network GP Federation and co-chair of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough ICS North Place Board.

For clinician turned entrepreneur Dr Elliot Street, elite sports training ignited an idea about how to turn surgical training on its head. In this episode, the award-winning clinician, co-founder and chief executive of Inovus Medical explores why surgical training methods were due an overhaul and his efforts to lead the charge. Hear his take on the barriers and enablers to innovation in the NHS, his lessons learned so far and practical advice for budding innovators. 

Is economic growth really the engine for better health? In this episode, Matthew Taylor sits down with acclaimed global economist Baroness Dambisa Moyo to talk growth, productivity and the post-pandemic world. Hear her take on the economic legacy of COVID-19, lessons for the future and why growth is vital to solving healthcare challenges. Tap into her insights on leadership in turbulent times and how boards can work better in a chaotic world.

For Patricia Hewitt, integrated care systems (ICSs) are the best opportunity we have to transform the health and care system this generation. But realising their potential requires fundamental change – this has been Patricia’s focus over the past few months. On 4 April, the former health secretary and integrated care board chair released the final report from her review into the oversight and governance of ICSs. In this episode, she gets candid about what the review found and why radical proposals feature among her recommendations. Hear her take on autonomy, prevention and health inequalities, regulation, funding and how to make self-improving systems. 

Can the NHS really grasp the digital transformation opportunity? In this episode, Matthew Taylor sits down with Tom Loosemore and Deborah El-Sayed to explore how integrated care boards can capitalise on the digital revolution. Get their take on pitfalls to avoid, principles to apply and why digital is more than just technology. Tune in as they debate skills, leadership, strategy and data. This podcast forms part of our Digital ICS programme delivered in partnership with NHS Providers and Public Digital, and supported by Health Education England and NHS England. The Digital ICS programme is a free support offer for integrated care boards and integrated care system leaders and offers a range of free resources, events and leadership sessions focused exclusively on the role of the board in leading the digital agenda across systems.

Is there a difference between equity and equality – and does it matter? In this episode, Matthew Taylor puts the question to Miriam González Durántez, esteemed international trade lawyer and passionate advocate of women's rights and the education of girls. In this International Women’s Day special, Miriam gets candid about equal opportunities, diversity on boards and the economics of care. She also shares two simple ways to effect change, how leaders can move beyond lip service to equity, and why she hopes her viral #ThisLittleGirlIsMe campaign will make a lasting difference.