Get it on Google Play

86. Jabs payments missing the point

86. Jabs payments missing the point

Author: Steve Brine and guests February 26, 2026 Duration: 49:05
Prevention is the New Cure
HealthHealth & FitnessFitnessGovernmentNewsPolitics

Can we "prescribe" our way out of a national health crisis?


In this episode, former Health Ministers James Bethell and Steve Brine are joined by Charlotte Refsum (Head of Health at the Tony Blair Institute) to dissect the week's biggest headlines in health policy.


In this episode:


  • The Tobacco & Vapes Bill: Why 74 Tories voted against the generational smoking ban.
  • The "Fat Jab" Debate: Should GPs be paid to prescribe GLP-1s, or is there a better way?
  • National Security: Why "Vaccine Sovereignty" is as important as energy or food security.
  • NHS Tech: Why the NHS App feels like it’s built for the system, not the patient.


🎧 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; producer, Calum Macdonald.

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

Official website RSS
Prevention is the New Cure
Podcast Episodes
113. Jeremy Hunt on the future, Burnham and his Whoop [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 heal…
112. Summer ends, governing begins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:39
Steve Brine and James Bethell are back, as politics returns to business as usual!In today's episode, they break down the fiscal reality facing the new government, why OpenAI’s integration with Epic Systems is a watershed…
109. Burnham's First Fortnight: What Have We Learned? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:51
In Episode 109 of Prevention is the New Cure, former health ministers James Bethell and Steve Brine dissect Andy Burnham’s first fortnight in office. They break down his heavy emphasis on social media communication, his…
108. UK Vaccination: A Collective Ambition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:11
On today's episode, Steve Brine and James Bethell discuss new opportunities in population health with vaccines. They are joined by Lisa Sha, General Manager at Sanofi Vaccines UK and Ireland, for a conversation on the UK…
107. New Health Secretary but what next? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:07
On today's episode, with James Bethell away, Steve Brine is joined by journalist and author Isabel Hardman (The Spectator) for an in-depth dive into a momentous week in British politics and health policy.Together, they b…
106. Pharmacy First - analogue idea in a digital age? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:10
Is the NHS relying on analogue systems in a digital world?In Episode 106, former Health Minister Steve Brine and guest co-host Charlotte Refsum (Director of Health Policy at the Tony Blair Institute) discuss the massive…
105. Would we pass Trump's fitness test? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:30
Is the NHS checking out of preventative care? In Episode 105 of Prevention is the New Cure, former health ministers Lord James Bethell and Steve Brine tackle the shifting landscape of public health, political incentives,…
104. AI and our mental health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:35
In Episode 104, former health ministers Lord Bethell and Steve Brine tackle one of the NHS's most urgent crises as they examine a damning review into maternity services in England.Following Baroness Valerie Amos' report…

12345»