85. Health tech good news and NHS prescribing puppies?

85. Health tech good news and NHS prescribing puppies?

Author: Steve Brine & James Bethell February 19, 2026 Duration: 48:42
Prevention is the New Cure
HealthHealth & FitnessFitnessGovernmentNewsPolitics



In this episode of Prevention is the New Cure, former Health Ministers Steve Brine and James Bethell chat to Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive of The King's Fund.


Sarah Woolnough argues that health is not made in hospitals — it is shaped by housing, education, environment and regulation. The discussion explores whether the UK needs a fundamental shift away from a “sickness service” towards long-term health investment.


🔍 Key topics include:

  • Whether Keir Starmer’s proposed social media age limits represent real reform or political signalling
  • The impact of the Online Safety Act 2023 on child protection
  • A new £20m addiction and gambling prevention fund
  • Why health tech innovation struggles inside the NHS
  • Whether NICE’s new HealthTech Access Programme could transform adoption
  • Why prevention always loses to acute pressures like A&E and GP access
  • The political risks of continuing to expand NHS spending without structural reform


Plus: why dog ownership may reduce dementia risk by 40%.


This episode celebrates the third anniversary of the podcast!

Steve and James look back on the different iterations of the show and reflect on three years of the best health and politics podcast around!


🎧 Listen, subscribe, and join the conversation

📩 Email: preventionisthenewcurepodcast@gmail.com

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Did you know? This podcast is one of the top health and social care podcasts around. Help make us #1 by following our show today.


This episode is produced by Shortbread Media; production Tim Pont / Calum Macdonald.

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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: 100

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Prevention is the New Cure
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