Prevention is the New Cure

On today's episode, Steve Brine and James Bethell discuss new opportunities in population health with vaccines. They are joined by Lisa Sha, General Manager at Sanofi Vaccines UK and Ireland, for a conversation on the UK's approach to vaccination.Together, they discuss why innovation alone isn't enough to improve population health — and why Government, the NHS, industry and academia must work together to turn scientific ambition into real population health outcomes.Plus, we dive into the latest political shake-ups in the UK Department of Health, the Prime Minister’s recent social care announcements and discuss the value of a good run.This episode is funded by - and made in collaboration with - Sanofi.MAT-XU-2602858 | July 2026

On today's episode, with James Bethell away, Steve Brine is joined by journalist and author Isabel Hardman (The Spectator) for an in-depth dive into a momentous week in British politics and health policy.Together, they break down Yvette Cooper’s surprising appointment as Health Secretary, Andy Burnham’s ambitious vision to transform social care, and why the NHS struggles with "learned helplessness" when responding to major public health scandals.Plus: a look at expanded MenB vaccine access and whether singing on prescription is actually good for your health!

Is the NHS relying on analogue systems in a digital world?In Episode 106, former Health Minister Steve Brine and guest co-host Charlotte Refsum (Director of Health Policy at the Tony Blair Institute) discuss the massive gap between NHS prevention ambitions and real-world execution.From the shockingly low uptake of bowel cancer screening kits in the youngest eligible groups to the government’s brand new £10 billion digital transformation plan, they discuss whether technology can finally solve the NHS productivity crisis. Plus, they break down wearable tech for sepsis monitoring, and the future of community pharmacies.🔔 Subscribe to get fresh weekly episodes mapping the intersection of health policy, clinical practice, and politics! 📧 Sign up to our mailing list: https://www.preventionisthenewcure.com💬 Got a perspective on NHS reform? WhatsApp us at: 0333 404 6507 or email: hello@preventionisthenewcure.com

Is the NHS checking out of preventative care? In Episode 105 of Prevention is the New Cure, former health ministers Lord James Bethell and Steve Brine tackle the shifting landscape of public health, political incentives, and cultural habits across the UK and US.From declining NHS health checks to the radical new "marathon a month" incentive scheme, they debate whether behavioural nudges actually work—or if they just reward the already healthy. They also dive into the NHS's new TikTok strategy to combat foreign misinformation, celebrate the massive hidden success of opt-out HIV testing in A&E, and cross the pond to look at RFK Jr.’s revival of the Presidential Fitness Test under the MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) agenda.Plus, find out why Lord Bethell is trading politics for the DJ booth at Airfest this week and does Puritan Steve agree with more beer at football matches?

In Episode 104, former health ministers Lord Bethell and Steve Brine tackle one of the NHS's most urgent crises as they examine a damning review into maternity services in England.Following Baroness Valerie Amos' report and the latest findings into avoidable failures in maternity care, they ask: Why does the NHS continue to repeat the same mistakes despite hundreds of recommendations? And will appointing a national Maternity Commissioner finally deliver lasting change—or simply create another layer of bureaucracy?As millions of people begin using AI chatbots for emotional support, Steve and James also discuss artificial intelligence and mental health - debating whether AI could become the front door to mental healthcare, helping people seek support earlier or whether we're underestimating the risks of relying on machines for our wellbeing.Finally, inspired by one mother's powerful campaign following the loss of her son to melanoma, they discuss why prevention starts with the simplest interventions. Should free sunscreen dispensers become standard at sports clubs, public spaces and outdoor venues as Britain adapts to hotter summers and rising rates of skin cancer?If you want to learn more about Sharon Scrivens' suncream campaign, read more here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjrg5p9x79jo💡 Prevention is the new cure. New episodes drop every Thursday!

In Episode 103, former health ministers Lord Bethell and Steve Brine break down a historic week in UK politics and healthcare.Following Andy Burnham’s by-election victory and Keir Starmer’s sudden resignation, they ask: Is Burnham on an unstoppable path to becoming the first former Health Secretary turned Prime Minister? Plus, they dissect controversial comments from the Chair of NHS England, Penny Dash, on how AI, smartphones, and robotics will fundamentally replace routine doctor visits.We also take a look at the newly established "NHS Online" - the UK's first truly national digital hospital trust. Could this completely dismantle 75 years of traditional, building-bound healthcare?Lastly, as the UK swelters in a major summer heatwave, Steve and James debate the scientific benefits of the European afternoon nap (siesta) and how the UK needs to climate-adapt.💡 Prevention is the New Cure. New episodes drop every Thursday!