63. Drug checking at UK festivals - and striking doctors

63. Drug checking at UK festivals - and striking doctors

Author: Steve Brine & James Bethell July 24, 2025 Duration: 55:10
Prevention is the New Cure
HealthHealth & FitnessFitnessGovernmentNewsPolitics

For this week's big interview, Steve Brine and Dr Sarah Wollaston talk to Fiona Measham from "The Loop UK" about preventing drug deaths at UK festivals. Their aim is to reduce drug-related harm through healthcare interventions informed by research and drug checking at events - and in city centres. It's a fascinating glimpse into a little talked about aspect of health prevention.


The Loop website

Article - The long and winding road to drug checking in the UK


The pair also talk about the imminent 'resident doctors' strike - which begins tomorrow for five days - and consider the ramifications for the NHS and the Ten Year Plan. And they discuss Gillian Leng's review of Physician and Anaesthetic Associates published this month.


Leng Review


They also cover the Dash Review into patient safety and, in pod surgery, it's measles and how a new study from The Lancet says just 7,000 steps a day cuts health risks.


You can find (and follow) us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and BlueSky and email us podcast@stevebrine.com


Thanks for listening! Next schedule episode drops on August 7 2025.


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: 96

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