104. AI and our mental health

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!

Email: podcast@stevebrine.com

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