The Health Foundation podcast

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.

  1. Making AI in health care safe: the story so far – with Ricardo Baptista Leite and Alastair Denniston

    May 14

    Making AI in health care safe: the story so far – with Ricardo Baptista Leite and Alastair Denniston

    Artificial intelligence is developing at breakneck speed, leaving governments around the world scrambling to respond. For a high-risk area like health care, safe, responsible use will be critical. But pressures on health systems mean governments can ill afford to delay adoption. So what's the right balance? And how can we ensure AI tools work in real-life health care settings and minimise unintended consequences? Following the 10-Year Health Plan, the government has established a National Commission into the Regulation of AI in Healthcare to explore these questions and make recommendations for how regulations need to adapt.  To discuss, our Chief Executive Jennifer Dixon is joined by: Ricardo Baptista Leite, CEO of Health AI, a Geneva-based nonprofit that promotes equitable access to AI-powered health innovations. Alastair Denniston, Professor of Regulatory Science and Innovation at the University of Birmingham.  The National Commission into the Regulation of AI in Healthcare is established to advise the MHRA. It is co-chaired by Alastair Denniston. Ricardo Baptista Leite and Jennifer Dixon are members. Its final report is expected later in 2026. Show notesUK government. National AI Commission into the Regulation of AI in Healthcare. Health Foundation (2025). AI in healthcare – staying ahead of the issues.  Health AI (2026). AI governance in health – Global landscape 2025 report.   Health Foundation (2026). AI in healthcare must earn the public’s confidence.  JAMA (2025). AI, Health, and Health Care Today and Tomorrow: the JAMA Summit Report on Artificial Intelligence.

    35 min
  2. 20 years of policy for disadvantage: lessons for the future – with Moira Wallace

    Apr 7

    20 years of policy for disadvantage: lessons for the future – with Moira Wallace

    In 1997, the New Labour government set up the social exclusion unit in the Cabinet Office. It was tasked with tackling what Tony Blair called ‘joined-up problems’ – social challenges like homelessness, school absence and exclusion, drug use and teenage pregnancy, which often have complex and interlocking causes. Analysis suggests many of the initiatives that followed had real positive impacts. So what lessons can be drawn for the considerable challenges we face today? In conversation with our Chief Executive Jennifer Dixon, Moira Wallace – a former senior civil servant who led the unit – reflects on its work, the approaches it pioneered and how change was delivered on the ground. With near-record numbers of young people not in education, work or training – and public investment constrained – what options are available to the current Labour government? And how could changes to the wiring of government help to tackle this and other social challenges? Show notes Wallace M (2023). Trends in adolescent disadvantage: policy and outcomes for young people under Labour, the Coalition, and the Conservatives (1997 to 2019).  Wallace M (2025). Reducing school absence: innovation lessons from the last Labour government. Health Foundation (2024). Sure Start: a model for long-term policymaking? – with Naomi Eisenstadt and Donna Molloy. Health Foundation (2025). No child left behind: what the government’s child poverty strategy should aim to deliver.  Health Foundation (2026). Why are a growing number of young people who are NEET reporting work-limiting health conditions?Resolution Foundation (2025). False starts: what the UK’s growing NEETs problem really looks like, and how to fix it.  Teenage Pregnancy Knowledge Exchange and University of Bedfordshire (2025). Teenage pregnancy and young parenthood: successes, challenges and opportunities.

    28 min
  3. Public mood and the future of the NHS – with Rachel Wolf

    Mar 10

    Public mood and the future of the NHS – with Rachel Wolf

    Surveys show rock solid public support for the basic principles of the NHS – universal, free at the point of use and mainly tax funded. Yet given widespread public dissatisfaction with the status quo, and non-traditional challenger parties gaining ground in the polls, can we take consensus on the NHS model for granted? In our second conversation exploring big trends in UK public opinion, we ask what public mistrust and a desire for change could mean for institutions like the NHS. How are policymakers to respond to the public’s concerns? And what could the rise of Reform UK mean for the NHS and wider health policy?  Our Chief Executive, Jennifer Dixon, is joined by Rachel Wolf, CEO of Public First, a policy and strategy consultancy that researches public attitudes.

    20 min
  4. Public mood and the future of the NHS – with Luke Tryl

    Feb 26

    Public mood and the future of the NHS – with Luke Tryl

    Surveys show rock solid public support for the basic principles of the NHS – universal, free at the point of use and mainly tax-funded. Yet given widespread public dissatisfaction with the status quo, and non-traditional challenger parties gaining ground in the polls, can we take consensus on the NHS model for granted? In the first of two episodes, we explore big trends in UK public opinion and ask what they reveal about attitudes to longstanding institutions, like the NHS. With 40% of the public saying it would let our public institutions ‘burn’, how should policymakers respond? And can pressure for quick results be balanced with long-term reforms?  Our Chief Executive, Jennifer Dixon, is joined by Luke Tryl, UK Executive Director of More in Common, a research agency focused on public attitudes.

    26 min
  5. 2025: the year in health policy and politics – with Hugh Alderwick and Rachel Sylvester

    12/11/2025

    2025: the year in health policy and politics – with Hugh Alderwick and Rachel Sylvester

    The year saw the arrival of the long-awaited 10-Year Health Plan – a dizzying array of proposals spanning NHS structures, services, staffing and more. Government missions were downgraded; another review of social care was announced; and further hopes pinned on the transformative potential of tech. But how is progress overall? Is the government’s rhetoric on reform matching reality? And what should be at the top of government’s list of priorities in 2026?To discuss, our Chief Executive, Jennifer Dixon, is joined by:  Rachel Sylvester, Political Editor of The Observer.  Hugh Alderwick, Director of Policy and Research at the Health Foundation.  Show notesHealth Foundation (2025). Dazed and confused? Policy ideas behind the 10-Year Health Plan. Policy Exchange (2025). The NHS – a suitable case for treatment? The Observer (2025). Poor families of babies brain-damaged at birth given lower payouts than richer parents. UK government (2025). 10-Year Health Plan for England: fit for the future. Health Foundation (2024). Is the grass really greener? Health Foundation (2024). Priorities for an AI in health care strategy. Health Foundation. Public perceptions of health and social care. Times Health Commission (2024). Times Health Commission: A report into the state of healthcare in Britain today.UK government (2024). Plan for change: Milestones for mission-led government.

    39 min
  6. AI in health care: an update from the US

    11/10/2025

    AI in health care: an update from the US

    How can AI be implemented safely and effectively? We look to the US for clues. AI is going to have a huge impact on health and care. In England, the government’s 10-Year Health Plan aims to make the NHS ‘the most AI-enabled care system in the world’. But with AI innovations coming thick and fast, and the health technology market awash with unproven tools, how can implementation be done responsibly, ensuring patient safety, care quality and value for money?  The US leads the world in investment, development and implementation of AI in health services. So, what lessons can we learn from the American experience? What is the state’s role in regulating AI technologies in health; how can these innovations be robustly evaluated at speed; and how could AI be used to boost population health? To discuss, our Chief Executive Jennifer Dixon is joined by: Andrea Palm, former Deputy Secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services (2021–25) where she led the development of the Department’s strategic plan for AI in health and care. Andrew Bindman, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Kaiser Permanente, one of the US’s largest integrated health care systems.  Show notes Health Foundation (2025). Event: AI in the NHS 2025.  Health Foundation (2024). Priorities for an AI in health care strategy.  NEJM Catalyst (2024). Ambient AI scribes to alleviate burden of clinical documentation.  Kaiser Permanente (2025). AI in healthcare: 7 principles of responsible use.

    38 min
  7. The upcoming national cancer plan – and lessons from Denmark

    10/09/2025

    The upcoming national cancer plan – and lessons from Denmark

    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 notesCancer 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.

    30 min
  8. Sajid Javid on funding the NHS

    09/10/2025

    Sajid Javid on funding the NHS

    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 notesPolicy 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?

    25 min
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About

Interviews with experts and high-profile guests discussing the most important issues affecting the future of health and care for people in the UK.

Information

  • Creator
    The Health Foundation
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    66
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Health Foundation
  • Show Website
    The Health Foundation podcast

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