Talking Health and Wellbeing: The amii Podcast

amii
  • 5.0 (1)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • MONTHLY

Major names in the health and wellbeing sphere in conversation with Dave Middleton, chair of amii - The Association of Medical Insurers and Intermediaries – in this new podcast. From the latest healthcare technologies to industry trends, from the menopause to mental health, listen to amii's monthly Health and Wellbeing Podcast. And for more information about amii – the voice of the health and wellbeing industry – go to www.amii.org.uk

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    Early Cancer Detection and the Critical Role of Workplace Screening

    In this episode, Dave Middleton, Executive Chair of amii, talks with Professor Gordon Wishart, Founder and CEO of Check4Cancer, about the growing challenge of cancer in the UK workforce. Professor Wishart, who spent many years running the breast unit in Cambridge, explains how cancer incidence continues rising due to an ageing population and increasingly unhealthy lifestyles, yet infrastructure for diagnosis and treatment hasn't kept pace. The result is longer waits, later diagnoses, and poorer survival outcomes, with GPs effectively forced into a rationing role that delays access to diagnostic services. The podcast explores why cancer screening remains the most sought-after employee benefit across all generations. Dave recounts an unexpected moment years ago when an employee, having just disclosed their cancer diagnosis, immediately worried about financial security—a conversation that caught him completely unprepared. Professor Wishart outlines the three pillars of effective early detection: education about signs and symptoms; prevention through screening programmes; and rapid diagnosis pathways. He discusses Check4Cancer's My Cancer Risk platform, which identifies the highest-risk 20% of employees for funded screening, with companies typically seeing 40% workforce engagement and 70% screening uptake amongst those at higher risk. The discussion explores lifestyle factors, with Professor Wishart noting that 40% of UK cancers are preventable. Obesity emerges as a particular concern for bowel and post-menopausal breast cancer, whilst the conversation touches on ultra-processed foods and their possible link to rising cancer rates in younger people. When Dave questions whether risks of weight-loss medications outweigh their benefits, Professor Wishart argues that for those with severe obesity, the risk of doing nothing likely exceeds medication concerns. The episode concludes with recognition that cancer screening has moved from nice-to-have to essential workforce management, as employers increasingly fill gaps left by stretched NHS capacity.

    27 min
  2. Changing the paradigm by making health monitoring accessible to everyone.

    01/08/2025

    Changing the paradigm by making health monitoring accessible to everyone.

    In this episode, Dave Middleton, Executive Chair of amii, talks with Dominique Kent, CEO of Bluecrest Wellness, who reveals some alarming statistics about the state of health literacy in the United Kingdom.   Dominique discusses the company's recent health literacy survey, which found that the average health literacy level in the UK population is equivalent to that of a 7-year-old child, which highlights a significant gap in public understanding of basic health concepts, despite major NHS campaigns on nutrition and wellbeing.   The podcast explores Bluecrest's mission to deliver personalised health monitoring in an affordable, accessible manner, with the company having already served vital health insights to nearly a million people since its inception. Dominique also dives into the company's whitepaper, "Prevention and a New Frontier for Wellbeing," which identifies critical concerns about delayed diagnoses and assessments within the NHS.

    32 min

  3. 04/06/2025

    Cancer - bridging the gap between diagnosis and treatment

    In this episode, Dave Middleton interviews Mark Stephenson, CEO of Reframe Cancer, about cancer support and the urgent need for improved early diagnosis pathways. Mark discusses why there's a need for businesses like Reframe Cancer, which addresses those critical gaps in early diagnosis and support, and the UK's slow early pathway detection rates show room for improvement. A recent workplace survey suggests 1.1 million people are currently balancing work while caring for family members with cancer, among 3.5 million total cancer patients in the UK. The findings reveal that many organisations often lack proper HR policies for cancer-related situations, impacting both patient recovery and workplace reintegration. The Reframe Cancer services help employees and employers navigate the complexities of cancer care, from diagnosis to return-to-work support.

    27 min
  4. Rethinking Workplace Wellbeing

    31/01/2025

    Rethinking Workplace Wellbeing

    In this episode, Dave Middleton interviews Ryan Hopkins, Chief Impact Officer at JAAQ, about workplace wellbeing and industry trends. Ryan shares his extensive background in wellbeing consultancy, including his experience at Deloitte and his personal journey through mental health challenges. He discusses the importance of creating supportive work environments rather than just implementing wellbeing solutions. Ryan emphasises that wellbeing is about individual life satisfaction, while wellness is about pursuing optimal health. Ryan provides insights into measuring wellbeing effectiveness through analytics and shares success stories, including a 6.9% reduction in mental health absence at NatWest. Ryan also discusses trends in workplace wellbeing, including the evolution of AI in mental health support, the importance of data analytics, and the growing focus on intersectional wellbeing issues beyond anxiety and depression.  If you enjoy this episode and want to find out more about Ryan you can use this link https://linktr.ee/theryanhopkins

    36 min

  5. 06/12/2024

    Championing Inclusive Leadership and Workplace Evolution

    In this latest episode, amii host Dave Middleton engages in an enlightening conversation with Heather Smith, CEO of AXA Health, exploring her remarkable journey through the insurance industry and her perspectives on leadership. Hear about Heather's early career experiences and the importance of resilience and determination in environments where female leadership was scarce. Heather shares her views on the progression of maternity leave policies, parental support and the significance of fostering workplace diversity across all dimensions, from varied perspectives and backgrounds to gender representation. She touches on the gender health gap and her views on the employers' vital role in addressing it and believes that creating a workplace where every voice matters, especially for those who might not naturally speak up, is fundamental to building successful, innovative teams.

    28 min

  6. 20/08/2024

    The Gender Health Gap

    In this episode, Dr. Amy Pressland, Talent Development Manager at Benenden Health, discusses the gender health gap with Dave Middleton, executive chair of amii and host of the podcast. The gender health gap refers to disparities in healthcare services that can disproportionately favour either men or women on a global scale. The report's findings, which involved interviews with 10,000 women, 5,000 female employees, and 1,000 business owners, revealed that the gap is notably skewed against women in the UK. The podcast touches on the gender pay gap, with Dr Amy providing some interesting statistical insight on this. In addition to how women experience high levels of discrimination, they also find managing periods, pregnancy, and menopause incredibly challenging at work in the UK, with a high percentage considering leaving the workforce altogether as a result. This topic applies to all people in the UK, as it shows the importance of creating a culture of care and trust in the workplace to support women and improve healthcare provision.

    30 min

  7. 05/03/2024

    Cancer diagnosis, treatment and the crucial role of prevention.

    This episode features amii Executive Chair Dave Middleton talking with Belfast-born doctor Professor Willie Hamilton, CBE, MD, FRCP, FRCGP. With a specialism in primary care diagnostics and a particular expertise in cancer, Willie provides an in-depth understanding of cancer. His research has had a major impact on improving earlier diagnosis of cancer in the UK, which saves lives. Willie is also Chief Medical Officer at The Exeter and was awarded a CBE in 2019 for his services in improving early cancer diagnosis. In this podcast, Willie highlights the significance of early detection and that while screenings are beneficial, 95% of cancers are diagnosed through symptoms, underlining the importance of regular GP visits. He explores the various types of screenings and the emerging role of AI in cancer detection while reaffirming the ongoing need for human involvement. The podcast also delves into future possibilities, such as using pharmacy records to track health behaviour. Willie reminds listeners that completely eradicating cancer is unlikely in our lifetime. However, he encourages adopting healthy habits like quitting smoking, eating well, and exercising regularly. The podcast wraps up with a discussion on the much-needed support for families affected by cancer through GPs, charities, and clinical specialist nurses.

    35 min

  8. 09/11/2023

    High Performance and Addiction

    Hosted by Executive Chair of amii, Dave Middleton, the latest episode of the popular podcast series dives deep into the topic of high performance and addiction. Dave is joined by Simon Cusden, a former professional cricketer, who bravely opens up about his personal struggles with addiction. Simon shares the challenges he faced growing up, which likely contributed to his struggles with addiction. His battle with addiction began while in Australia for 12 years, involving a suicide attempt and alcohol dependency. After seeking help from the Player Cricketers Association (PCA) Simon is now seven years sober. He has returned to the UK and started freelancing, focusing on assisting high-performing individuals in senior leadership. Simon offers private coaching sessions and conducts webinars to share his personal experiences and insights. In the podcast, Simon highlights the importance of recognising and nurturing various aspects of our lives that contribute to overall wellbeing, including mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, relational, financial, and environmental dimensions. Reflecting on his experience, Simon Cusden shares: "I've learned that the most important thing is self-reflection and know that addiction isn't a problem. Instead, it's only a solution to a problem.” “I have been on an incredible journey of self-discovery and growth, and I have come to realise that effective communication is the cornerstone of overcoming any challenge, which is the fundamental principle I impart to my clients, enabling them to overcome obstacles successfully.” Dave Middleton said: “It was great to speak to Simon, whose story serves as a powerful reminder that addiction can affect anyone, regardless of their background or achievements.” “I invite everyone to listen to Simon’s inspiring journey and the insightful discussion we had. It is an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and find inspiration for personal and professional growth.”

    32 min
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Major names in the health and wellbeing sphere in conversation with Dave Middleton, chair of amii - The Association of Medical Insurers and Intermediaries – in this new podcast. From the latest healthcare technologies to industry trends, from the menopause to mental health, listen to amii's monthly Health and Wellbeing Podcast. And for more information about amii – the voice of the health and wellbeing industry – go to www.amii.org.uk

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