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

📱 WhatsApp the show: 0333 404 6507


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.

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

Official website RSS
Prevention is the New Cure
Podcast Episodes
24. Emergency Medicine special w/ Adrian Boyle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:42
The newest guest to join Helen and Steve on the pod is Adrian Boyle, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, to talk about preventing harm in the community in A&E departments.Steve and Helen also discuss th…
23. Special w/ Secretary of State for Health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:22
Steve and Helen are joined by Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Victoria Atkins MP. Victoria talks about the Department's Pharmacy First programme and the landmark announcement banning disposable vapes, as w…
22. Dentistry special w/ Sara Hurley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:17
Steve and Helen welcome the former Chief Dental Officer, Sara Hurley, onto the podcast to cover all things dentistry and oral health, including questions from you, our listeners, and issues facing NHS dentistry. Helen an…
21. Junior doctors, NHS dentists and E. coli [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:26
Helen and Steve tackle some of the biggest new stories that broke over the Christmas and new year period, including the ongoing pay dispute between junior doctors and the Government, the challenges facing NHS dentistry,…
20. Men's health special w/ Charlie Bethel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:09
Helen and Steve welcome Charlie Bethel, Chief Executive of UK Men's Shed Association, to talk about men's health and specifically men's mental health. Charlie speaks about the 'big society' that Men's Sheds offers the co…
19. Elton John, Cancer and Tattoos and piercings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:52
It's been a busy few weeks of news for Helen and Steve to sink their teeth into and they kick off this episode discussing the new health ministers' roles and an end to industrial action. They also break down the disappoi…
18. Breast cancer special w/ Delyth Morgan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:48
Helen and Steve are back breaking down the news of the past two weeks including the Kings Speech; and what was included and missed, the cabinet reshuffle and what that might mean for health policy and a number of recent…
17. Special w/ Jeremy Hunt MP [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:50
The episode you've all been waiting for here is finally here! Chancellor of the Exchequer and former Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt MP, joins Steve and Helen on the podcast to talk all things strikes, NHS Workforce Plan a…
16. Smoking, party conferences and Steve in Ghana [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:43
Steve and Helen delve into the details coming out of Party conference season including the major announcement by the Prime Minister that children turning 14 or younger this year can never legally be sold cigarettes in th…
15. HIV Special w/ Kevin Fenton [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:41
Steve and Helen are back for another week to get to the bottom of the current health news, discussing strikes, developments for Martha's Rule, Covid-19 boosters and rumours of a disposable vaping ban. Kevin Fenton, Regio…

«1...45678910»