89. Meningitis horror

89. Meningitis horror

Author: Steve Brine & James Bethell March 19, 2026 Duration: 49:56
Prevention is the New Cure
HealthHealth & FitnessFitnessGovernmentNewsPolitics

In Episode 89, former Health Ministers Steve Brine and Lord Bethell dive into the urgent headlines shaping British healthcare. From the tragic Meningitis B outbreak in Kent to the "productivity paradox" of AI in hospitals, this episode strips back the politics to look at what actually works.


In this episode, we discuss:

  • The Meningitis B Outbreak: Why a "policy-created" vulnerability gap has left teenagers at risk and what needs to change in the UK’s vaccine strategy.
  • AI in the NHS: Prof. Jenny Shand (UCL) joins us to debunk the hype. Does "ambient voice technology" actually save money, or just make doctors happier?
  • Health as Wealth: Lord Bethell previews Patrick Vallance’s landmark speech on treating health as an economic growth engine.
  • Early Cancer Detection: The truth behind the "Grail" blood test results and why the BMJ is sceptical.
  • The Parkrun Phenomenon: Celebrating 10 million participants and Steve’s quest to break the 28-minute barrier.


Connect with the Podcast: 📧 Email: preventionisthenewcurepodcast@gmail.com 📱 WhatsApp: 0333 4046507 ✅ Subscribe for weekly insights from the heart of health politics!


This episode is produced by Shortbread Media / 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
53. Dentistry crisis unpacked [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:09
This week Steve & Sarah talk dentistry with Neil Carmichael from the Association of Dental Groups. We also hear about hitting small boys on the head with stones, Easter snacking and Steve's night-time grinding. In pod-su…
52. UK's alcohol blind spot [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:53
Health prevention royalty joins Steve & Sarah on the pod in an episode supported by the Alcohol Health Alliance (www.ahauk.org).Sir Ian Gilmore talks about a lifetime making the case for action on alcohol harm - for the…
NHSE deep dive interview special [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:23
Our first long form interview is with Richard Meddings as he steps down from being Chair of NHS England. In his first broadcast interview since leaving the role he talks candidly about how he got the job, the organisatio…
51. You are what you eat! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:17
For this episode, Steve and Sarah reflect on the abolition of NHS England and 50% cuts to Integrated Care Boards. They are joined by Phil Gowland from Whitworths to discuss healthy eating, how the food industry can be pa…
50. HIV special from San Francisco! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:24
Sarah is back from her Indian adventure and the pair are joined by Richard Angell from the Terrence Higgins Trust (all the way from San Fran) to talk all things HIV including the impact of US Aid cuts. They also discuss…
49. Spinal muscular atrophy interview marks Rare Diseases Day [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:39
This week sees Rare Diseases Day 2025 and to mark the moment, Steve and James speak with SMA UK boss Giles Lomax about spinal muscular atrophy and how we have the power to save lives. The pair also consider what is happe…
48. Dementia prevention special [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:06
For this episode, Steve and Sarah are joined by respected neurologist, Dr Paul Jarman, from UCLH to talk about the prevention of dementia. In a thought provoking discussion, the pair discuss risk factors, lifestyle and o…
47. Simon Wessely on the new Mental Health Bill [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:59
Steve is joined by his brand new co-host, Dr Sarah Wollaston, for the first time. Sarah was an MP from 2010-2019 and, like Steve, is a former Chair of the Health Select Committee. The pair are joined by Professor Sir Sim…
45. Helen returns! Our Christmas special [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:33
The original line-up returns as Dr Helen Stokes-Lampard joins Steve Brine for a Christmas special. We hear what Helen did next, talk cricket (!), healthcare in New Zealand and look back at 2024 in UK health and politics.…

«12345678910»