70. Are we over-diagnosing mental illness?

70. Are we over-diagnosing mental illness?

Author: Steve Brine & James Bethell October 16, 2025 Duration: 49:52

Steve Brine and Dr Sarah Wollaston discuss a wide range of stories including the drug pricing row engulfing our life sciences sector, more bad news for Ministers on NHS waiting lists, walk-in GP centres in Scotland and the Rishi Sunak / David Lammy double-act on prostate cancer.


The pair also take a considered look at news, first reported in the Health Service Journal, that Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, is to launch a review of the prevalence of mental illness and neurodivergence. What lies behind it, what might it recommend and does the Prime Minister have a wider agenda?


And Steve takes a moment to mention a brand new charity he is chairing - which gets it launch this evening - Winchester Cancer Sanctuary.


Oh and they consider dogs and their balls; it's a long story ...


Thanks for listening to our podcast; please follow the show and find us on all our social media channels via LinkTree. You can email podcast@stevebrine.com with feedback, ideas and to suggest guests. Contact on behalf of commercial guests are considered on a case-by-case basis and sponsorship opportunities are available.


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

Prevention is the New Cure
Podcast Episodes
4. Smoking and vaping special w/ Deborah Arnott [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Steve and Helen talk junior doctor strikes, the issues surrounding Nitrous Oxide and open the Pod Surgery to cover alcohol harm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2. Cancer special w/ Cally Palmer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:25
Steve and Helen welcome their first guest onto the podcast as they talked cancer with the National Cancer Director, Dame Cally Palmer. Steve and Helen also gave their immediate budget reactions and discussed the junior d…
1. Podcast from across the pond [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Helen and Steve talk end of life care, technology, cancer and open the "pod surgery" to talk diabetes, obesity and dentistry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Pilot [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:08
Helen and Steve talk strikes, prevention and the start of an interactive "pod surgery". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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