113. Jeremy Hunt on the future, Burnham and his Whoop

113. Jeremy Hunt on the future, Burnham and his Whoop

Author: Steve Brine and guests September 10, 2026 Duration: 46:47

Former Chancellor and longest-serving Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt joins Steve Brine and James Bethell.


In this episode, Jeremy Hunt breaks down the harsh economic realities facing the NHS, why throwing more money at healthcare won't fix it, and what a future Conservative health strategy must look like under Shadow Health Secretary Damian Hinds. The trio dives into structural reforms, realigning local financial incentives, shifting focus from acute hospital care to prevention, and using AI and single patient electronic records to drive productivity.


Key Topics Covered:


The Fiscal Envelope: Why Labour and Conservatives both face strict spending limits on healthcare.


Fixing Systemic Incentives: Shifting focus from 18-month operational targets to long-term prevention.


The Power of Data: How electronic health records (EPR) and AI can target high-cost care upstream.


Social Care & Political Realities: Andy Burnham’s ambitions vs. fiscal resistance.


Regulating AI in Healthcare: Balancing rapid innovation with patient safety.

Email: podcast@stevebrine.com


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Prevention is the New Cure is a health and politics podcast hosted by former UK Health Ministers Steve Brine & James Bethell. Drawing on their experience inside government, they unpack how political decisions shape the NHS, public health, fitness, and everyday wellbeing. Each week, listeners can expect thoughtful conversations on prevention - from tackling chronic disease and obesity to mental health, social care, and the future of healthcare funding. With candid reflections, behind-the-scenes insight, and expert guests, the show explores what needs to change so that staying well becomes as important as treating illness. Whether you follow health policy, work in the system, or just care about living longer, healthier lives, this is your place to listen episodes that challenge, inform, and inspire.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Prevention is the New Cure
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