Shows
HSJ Health CheckThe making of a Health Bill - What Ian Dodge learned about legislationThe HSJ Health Check podcast is tracking development of the government’s planned Health Bill. This week we talk to Ian Dodge, who shaped several major pieces of NHS legislation as a national director at NHS England and the Department of Health.Mr Dodge reflects on the lessons that can be learned from two decades of NHS restructure Acts: They rarely succeed in transforming services, take longer and are more complex than thought, and open the door to a range of unpredictable challenges from outsiders and political opponents.We talk about where these attac...
2025-10-0355 minHSJ Health CheckThe year of the pigThis week the HSJ team look at money and what is coming for what is expected to be toughest financial year for the NHS in a generation. HSJ editor Alastair McLellan talks about the “pig of a year” senior leaders have warned of. While finance reporter Henry Anderson takes us through what the mood music is on bringing back PFI, an expensive way of getting new capital into the system – but is it the only way?
2025-02-2139 minHSJ Health CheckWhat’s coming in 2025 for the NHSThe HSJ Health Check team reveals our predictions for the big issues — and unexpected developments — in 2025, on this week’s Christmas podcast.
What to expect in reform, finance, integration, primary care, workforce and more in the coming 12 months.
With HSJ deputy editor Dave West, senior correspondent Henry Anderson, and correspondent Mimi Launder.
Send thoughts, tips, story ideas to ben.clover@hsj.co.uk
2024-12-2043 minHSJ Health CheckCarrying the can for corridor careThis week's HSJ podcast looks at the latest development in Shropshire's troubled health system and hospitals, and NHS England's move to ramp up the rollout of the federated data platform.
https://www.hsj.co.uk/shrewsbury-and-telford-hospital-nhs-trust/ceo-who-led-trust-through-scandals-announces-departure/7037595.article
https://www.hsj.co.uk/technology-and-innovation/nhse-u-turn-mandates-trust-use-of-the-fdp/7037578.article
2024-08-0928 minHSJ Health CheckRachel Reeves' blueprint for the NHSThis week's HSJ Health Check podcast discusses the Chancellor's big interventions in the NHS pay, funding and reform - and fresh HSJ analysis showing the spread of huge deficits around England. With Nick Kituno, Henry Anderson and Dave West.
Read - Revealed: ICSs planning the largest deficits https://www.hsj.co.uk/finance-and-efficiency/revealed-icss-planning-the-largest-deficits/7037571.article
2024-08-0236 minHSJ Health CheckWhen HSJ met WesWhile the rest of the country was watching the football, HSJ met shadow health and social care secretary Wes Streeting in a café in Ilford for a wide-ranging interview.
On this episode we bring you the highlights from his conversation with Alastair McLellan and James Illman.
We also cover the sudden resignation of the Care Quality Commission’s chief executive, the huge leadership challenges facing the beleaguered regulator and why it should be strengthened rather than abolished.
2024-07-0444 minHSJ Health CheckWhat ICB leaders really thinkWe delve into the detail of HSJ's comprehensive survey of integrated care board leaders, as well as new interventions on the future of ICBs from NHS England and Wes Streeting.
From leaders’ biggest worries, and their achievements thus far, to their plans for the future, HSJ Health Check highlights some of the more surprising findings.
Also, more on the shadow health secretary's recent comments on tensions between ICBs and foundation trusts, and NHS England's new assessment framework.
With Annabelle Collins, Nick Kituno and Dave West.
2024-05-0330 minHSJ Health CheckAre you going to lose your job?This year sets the NHS one of its toughest financial challenges as pandemic cash dries up and funding shortfalls deepen.
We hear how three integrated care systems are already warning of significant consequences from the current financial requirements, and explore how the NHS plans to break even in 2024-25.
With Henry Anderson, Lawrence Dunhill and Nicholas Carding.
Send views and questions to annabelle.collins@hsj.co.uk.
You can listen to HSJ Health Check on this page, or subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and all the other popular podcast platforms.
2024-04-2633 minHSJ Health CheckWhy this winter was (a bit) better in the NHS2022-23 was probably the worst ever winter for the NHS, after a steep collapse in performance. This year’s been a little better — new figures confirm — but how was this achieved, and what does it mean for coming months?
This week’s HSJ Health Check podcast reviews the latest figures on emergency care performance — across A&E waits, ambulance delays and response times, discharge and length of stay.
On nearly all measures, services have been better this winter than the year before, but only a little bit, and still well down on 2019 levels, which were al...
2024-04-1136 minHSJ Health CheckHow to be a top NHS employerHSJ Health Check debates the new NHS staff survey results, with trust CEO Matthew Winn, survey expert Chris Graham, and HSJ's Nick Kituno.
Some key findings are improved this year, but others reveal a service still struggling to recover from the pandemic. There's also an alarming increase in reports of discrimination.
Meanwhile, Matthew and Chris argue there can be no 'quick fixes' or gaming when it comes to being a good employer, so leaders should focus on looking after staff and making longer-term improvements. Staff survey results should also be used more when it comes...
2024-03-0846 minHSJ Health CheckTwo top CEOs argue ‘hospital groups are here to stay’Two of the most successful NHS hospital chief executives – one current, Glen Burley, and one former, Dame Alwen Williams – join the HSJ Health Check podcast, arguing that the sometimes-contentious spread of the ‘group model’ and joint leadership will keep on spreading.
The Foundation Group CEO and former boss of Barts Health Trust – one of the mothers of the hospital group model in the NHS – also talk about how to make it work, managing exec time, staying in touch with the front line, and what it means for accountability.
And NHS management trainee Brigid McMorrow speaks about her an...
2024-02-0245 minHSJ Health CheckAnother maternity red flagNothing is more important than the process of giving birth, but hospitals are increasingly struggling to induce mothers-to-be on time.
HSJ has found multiple examples of pregnant women waiting too long for their induction, in what could potentially be a national problem for a hugely challenged area of healthcare.
Also this week, we hear why former NHSX CEO Matthew Gould is back in the news and discuss the latest on NHS England’s controversial flagship data project.
With Nicholas Carding, Alison Moore and Joe Talora.
Send views and questions to Annabelle.co...
2023-09-2931 minHSJ Health CheckThe elective activity the NHS wants to cut - but can'tTargets to reduce the number of outpatient appointments are not being met by trusts. On this epsiode we discuss why the number of outpatient appointments has remained stuck at £124m, despite pressure to cut them, and what is being done about it.
Also this week, an update on integrated care systems’ finances and what is worrying them at the moment, plus a preview from HSJ’s forthcoming interview with NHSE chief financial officer Julian Kelly.
For more on outpatient appointment challenges, read James' Recovery Watch column: https://www.hsj.co.uk/expert-br...
2023-06-0230 minHSJ Health CheckCDCs, the election cycle and fixing primary careThis week bureau chief Ben Clover stands in for Annabelle Collins and introduces two important stories, one that got national coverage and one that HSJ broke. Deputy editor Dave West takes us through the strange delay of some community diagnostic centres, which some suspect is politically-motivated as the government looks to what it can deliver before an election next year. Correspondent Mimi Launder then takes us behind the announcements on the primary care recovery plan. This received a lot of national attention earlier this week but HSJ obtained internal documentation showing just how patchy the roll-out is of some...
2023-05-1232 minHSJ Health CheckThe NHS’ latest PFI problemA legal battle has erupted between a hospital trust and bank-backed PFI company over fire safety and payment refusals. We discuss why the case has potentially wider implications for other NHS trusts.
Also this week, we find out why NHS England had to apologise to staff impacted by problems during its restructure, and hear about the latest twist in an ICS dogged by troubling leadership issues.
Featuring Nick Carding, Ben Clover and Dave West.
Send views and questions to annabelle.collins@hsj.co.uk....
2023-04-2131 min
HSJ Health CheckJulian Hartley on collaboration, workforce and why he became NHS Providers CEOFresh from starting work as NHS Providers' new chief executive, Sir Julian Hartley joins HSJ Health Check to talk about collaboration, strikes, reform and more.
We ask the former Leeds Hospitals chief why he moved to a national role, and what building a successful provider collaborative looks like in practice. He also discusses the long haul of improvement facing the service, arguments for fundamental reform, and why we need NHS Providers.
With HSJ's Annabelle Collins, Dave West and Ben Clover.
2023-02-2354 minHSJ Health CheckWhat 2023 has in store for the NHSThe HSJ team make their predictions for what the New Year could bring for the health service, including a return to deficits, tough times for the hospital building programme and a big year for mental health reform.
Thanks for listening to the Health Check podcast this year and Happy Holidays from all at HSJ.What 2023 has in store for the NHS
2022-12-2832 minHSJ Health CheckWho is Therese Coffey?In a week that saw Liz Truss replace Boris Johnson as prime minister, the HSJ team assess the challenges faced by her new health secretary Therese Coffey, plus the dire state of ambulance services.
Ms Coffey set ambulances as one of her four “ABCD” priorities, alongside the elective backlog, care and doctors and dentists.
Bureau chief Ben Clover is joined by Alison Moore and editor Alastair McLellan.
You can listen to HSJ Health Check on this page, or subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and all the other popular podcast platforms.
Se...
2022-09-0935 minHSJ Health CheckTory tinkering while the NHS is on fireThe NHS needs “fewer layers of management” - this is according to Tory leadership hopeful Liz Truss and is one of the first significant comments made about the NHS by either candidate this summer.
We talk more about the other pledges made about health and social care so far by both candidates and where they might look to make their mark.
Also £75m has been announced to create more mental health beds - will this ease pressures in this incredibly “hot” running system? This and more from our interview with NHS England mental health director Claire Mu...
2022-08-1226 minHSJ Health CheckCrumbling services, but who's in charge?Hospital leaders have warned there is a lack of accountability in the NHS, warning this could undermine public and political trust in the service.
In a roundtable hosted by HSJ, the most well-respected chief executives have spoken candidly about the slow pace of reform, why talking about how tired the workforce is doesn’t always help and why command and control leadership has its place.
Also in 2019, £250m was awarded to the shiny new NHS AI-lab, but a government watchdog has recently given it a damning review. We ask, what went wrong?
2022-07-2938 minHSJ Health CheckThe pay award quirk that could be the final strawThe NHS must find the money to fund an extra £2bn of the staff pay bill, after the government decided to increase it beyond the 3% rise that was budgeted for.
We discuss the impact this is likely to have on services and also why a particular group of senior managers are particularly demoralised.
Also this week: An HSJ investigation has highlighted the horrendously long waits faced by mental health patients while waiting for an inpatient bed in A&E. We talk more about how the health service got to this point and what should be d...
2022-07-2228 min
HSJ Health CheckThe hardest job in the NHSThe NHS is facing a major reorganisation this year, including within NHS England itself.
On this episode we discuss the challenges and power struggles that lie ahead and who has the toughest job of all; the newly appointed chief workforce officer.
Annabelle is joined by HSJ editor Alastair McLellan.
2022-07-0133 minHSJ Health CheckRace, inequalities and NHS ConfedExpoRace and racism in NHS leadership and workforce, and health inequalities, are the subject of this week’s HSJ Health Check podcast.
We look back to some of the debates on the issues at – and around – last week’s NHS ConfedExpo conference. We explore the prospects for progress, and important context including diversity in integrated care system leadership and NHS England’s leadership.
With HSJ equality, diversity and inclusion correspondent Nick Kituno, finance correspondent Henry Anderson, and deputy editor Dave West.
2022-06-2437 minHSJ Health CheckTrusts hit hardest by covid part 2: We’re still trying to manage by organisationThe chief executives of Sandwell and West Birmingham, Countess of Chester, King's College and Croydon hospitals trusts - some of the worst affected through the covid pandemic - discuss what lessons can be learned, including more sharing of waiting lists and staff, developing critical care, addressing unequal resources, the resource gap, fast decision making and local leadership.
Part two of two.
See hsj.co.uk for analysis on the trusts hit hardest by covid.
2022-06-1023 minHSJ Health CheckTrusts hit hardest by covid part 1: We need timeThe chief executives of Sandwell and West Birmingham, Countess of Chester, King's College and Croydon hospitals trusts - some of the worst affected through the covid pandemic - reflect on how they dealt with the fear and uncertainty of wave one, and the impact on staff then and now.
Part one of two.
See hsj.co.uk for analysis on the trusts hit hardest by covid.
2022-06-1037 minHSJ Health CheckBoris Johnson’s ‘new hospitals’ in jeopardy“Our project is in jeopardy.” This is according to one trust working on long-needed major hospital redevelopments, which were promised by the government in the run-up to the 2019 general election.
HSJ revealed this week each project has only been given £1m to cover their planning costs – an amount which falls far below what is needed. We discuss why this could see the critical work delayed even further.
Also an update on the ongoing ambulance crisis in the NHS after it emerged a patient waited 24-hours in an ambulance while waiting to be handed over to A&E.
2022-05-2027 minHSJ Health CheckSecret merger maniaThree further acute trusts are considering a move to joint leadership, HSJ has learned, and mental health hubs for NHS staff are being underused — we analyse both issues on this week’s HSJ Health Check podcast.
The trusts, in Norfolk, have fiercely protected their independence in the past, but could the national shift towards collaboration see things move forward? We also give an update on the country-wide picture.
And Emily Townsend discusses her finding that mental health hubs for NHS staff — set up to protect wellbeing during the covid pandemic — are being underused, despite evidence of growi...
2022-05-0629 minHSJ Health CheckICSs are under threat from a devolution frenzyA plethora of complex governance arrangements are being set up in and around ICSs - which are only just due to become statutory. We discuss why these complications might hinder successful service change.
We also hear about two senior NHS tech chiefs leaving their positions to join a controversial private company - at a time when NHS England is launching a major data project to drive digital transformation across the health service.
Link to the leader discussed in the podcast: www.hsj.co.uk/policy-and-regulat…ed/7032335.article
2022-04-2939 minHSJ Health CheckWhy the two-year waiters target could be already doomedIs it time to rethink how the NHS manages its elective waiting list? On this week’s episode we talk about the worryingly high number of people waiting over two years for their planned care - and the alarming number which do not even have a decision to admit.
Another factor which could impact on elective recovery is the recent spike in covid admissions. Considering how this could slow down recovery, why is the health secretary so relaxed about it?
And we ask listeners if you can help support out Ukraine appeal – this week we laun...
2022-03-1831 minHSJ Health CheckWhat the 2022-23 NHS planning guidance really meansOn this week’s HSJ podcast, we explain what the latest planning guidance from NHS England – published over Christmas – means for the service and its patients.
The planning guidance sets out how the NHS’s money will be used and what the service will be asked to provide in 2022-23.
HSJ’s Annabelle Collins, James Illman and Dave West translate the key themes on this week’s HSJ Health Check.
2022-01-0730 minHSJ Health CheckHSJ's predictions for 2022In the final episode of the year, we make our predictions for what 2022 could hold for the health service, including staff vaccination woes, spades in the ground for some ‘new hospitals’ and further delays for ICSs.
Featuring Annabelle Collins, Nick Carding, Dave West and guest Rebecca Thomas from The Independent.
2021-12-2437 minHSJ Health CheckBoris Johnson’s secret integration interventionThis week the HSJ Health Check podcast hears how Number 10’s mission to integrate health and social care services has ramped up with some contentious thoughts, and discuss the NHS’ overall progress in its move towards integrated care systems.
Integrating health and social care is a famously difficult task. Now, it seems, Boris Johnson himself wants to clarify local accountability for this. We discuss the implications of this latest intervention.
We also consider what the terms of reference for the Messenger Review mean for the NHS leadership community, and we explore the strange story of a hos...
2021-11-2628 minHSJ Health CheckPritchard and Javid’s key messages to trusts ahead of ‘toughest winter’We hear what NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard and health secretary Sajid Javid had to say ahead of what everyone is describing as the NHS’ toughest winter, and discuss the implications of the news that Health Education England will be merged with NHS England.
Featuring Nick Carding, Jasmine Rapson and Lawrence Dunhill.
You can listen to HSJ Health Check on this page, or subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and all the other popular podcast platforms.
Send feedback to nicholas.carding@wilmingtonhealthcare.com.
2021-11-1925 minHSJ Health CheckThe ambulance crisis and NHS England’s King Canute momentHSJ revealed NHS England has written to all trusts and integrated care systems this week telling them to stop ambulance handover delays “immediately” after serious patient safety concerns.
This is far easier said than done and we discuss the reaction to the letter and more on what is fuelling some of the worst ambulance pressures ever experienced by the health service.
Also the outcome of the spending review and which bits of the NHS have got lucky, and which have missed out.
2021-10-2934 minHSJ Health CheckWhy £15.6bn extra spells cuts for the NHSThe government has announced £15.6bn extra funding for the NHS — but NHS England is having to curb its ‘long-term plan’ ambitions and considering which of its budgets to shave. This week’s HSJ Health Check podcast explores why.
We also cover how NHS England’s commitment to publish core performance data broken down to identify health inequalities, among other “urgent actions” to tackle inequalities, is nearly a year overdue. Featuring Dave West, Nick Kituno and Rebecca Thomas.
You can listen to HSJ Health Check on this page, or subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and all the oth...
2021-09-1730 minHSJ Health CheckIs it ‘unfair’ to blame GPs for remote consultations risk?This week’s HSJ Health Check podcast discusses the warnings made by a Greater Manchester coroner over the risks of remote GP appointments, following the deaths of five people. Is it fair to blame general practice for the safety concerns?
We also talked about the government’s big health and care funding announcement and what it means for the NHS. Featuring Lawrence Dunhill, Jasmine Rapson and Rebecca Thomas.
2021-09-1025 minHSJ Health CheckThe ‘new hospital’ playbook lieThis week’s HSJ Health Check podcast discusses the government comms “playbook” which, as revealed by HSJ, told trusts they should describe new wings, units and refurbishments as “new hospitals” — which they are not.
We also talk about NHS England’s framework contract for salary advance schemes for NHS staff, similar to the proposal from now-collapsed Earnd. Featuring Ben Clover, Annabelle Collins and Dave West.
2021-09-0336 minHSJ Health CheckAre covid visiting restrictions damaging patient safety?An HSJ investigation revealed this week that coroners have raised multiple concerns pandemic hospital visiting restrictions may have had a damaging effect on patient care.
We discuss how vulnerable patients have been adversely affected by these covid rules and how trusts are still having to balance patient visiting with reducing the spread of covid.
Also this episode- trust leaders have spoken of fears that specialised services could become fragmented under Health Bill reforms. We cover why new delegated budgets could result in ICS’ going their own way.
Featuring Hayley Kirton, Jack Serle and An...
2021-08-2025 minHSJ Health CheckHow the government is trying to build back cheaperIn a leaked letter obtained by HSJ the government has told eight of the most advanced ‘40 new hospitals’ trusts to put together cheaper plans for their new buildings.
Trusts are scrambling to get their new plans in by Monday and we dissect what impact this could have on the future of these crucial rebuilding schemes.
We also discuss the recent announcement of 25 permanent chairs for the new integrated care boards, and of course, the appointment of new NHS CEO Amanda Pritchard.
Featuring Sharon Brennan, Nick Carding and Annabelle Collins.
2021-07-3033 minHSJ Health CheckPicking the next NHS England chief executive: a conversation with Jeremy HuntMonday marked the deadline for applicants wanting to be the next NHS England CEO to throw their hat in the ring. In this podcast HSJ editor Alastair McLellan talks to the former health secretary and current chair of Commons Health and Social Care committee about how the most powerful person in the NHS will be chosen.
2021-06-1742 minHSJ Health CheckHow patients’ warnings about “inadequate” hospital went unheededHSJ revealed in an investigation this week that serious concerns were raised by patients at a mental health hospital for children in the years before it was rated ‘inadequate’ by the national regulator in March 2021.
We ask why it took so long for action to be taken and whether there is an enduring problem with care quality at private mental health hospitals?
We also shine the spotlight on autism care in South West, where spiralling waiting lists hint at the scale of a national crisis which needs fixing.
Featuring Nick Carding, Rebecca Thomas and...
2021-05-2126 minHSJ Health CheckHow three top trust chiefs fell out of favourFor the first time ever the leader of a mental health trust has been named HSJ’s top chief executive for 2021, and in a surprising turn of events, three former top-table leaders have fallen out of the top 50 altogether. Why their fall from grace?
And was it an act of utter hubris or just plain posturing? We discuss the health secretary’s suggestion the new NHS bill would give him the power to veto senior NHS board appointments. It turns out, this was not quite the case.
We also touch on the swinging pendulum of powe...
2021-03-1940 minHSJ Health CheckPunishing staff for gaming the vaccine systemReasonable or “unnecessarily hostile”? This week’s HSJ Health Check debates whether its right for a trust to threaten its staff with disciplinary or regulatory action if they try and have their second covid jab early.
University Hospitals Birmingham FT sent an email to its workforce doing just this. Could this have been communicated better?
We also discuss whether mandatory vaccination could be on the cards for health professionals and whether there is a role for the regulators here too.
And it may come as a surprise to some, but data has revealed patien...
2021-02-2629 minHSJ Health CheckPalantir speaks out – the ‘secretive’ firm at the heart of the covid responseOne of the pandemic’s apparent success stories has been the development and operation of an NHS covid-19 data store. Holding information on everything from ventilators to vaccinations, the data store has driven the NHS and government’s decision-making throughout.
However, privacy campaigners have raised concerns about the way in which sensitive NHS data could be used by the companies involved in the data store. And what does the future hold for the data store once the emergency rules on information-sharing can no longer be justified?
In this podcast, HSJ’s Nick Carding quizzes the UK head of Pal...
2021-02-2437 minHSJ Health CheckSo long NHSXHSJ revealed this week NHSX – the tech agency set up by Matt Hancock not quite two-years ago – is set to merge with NHS England. We ask what this says about the government’s tech ambitions, who could be parachuted in to lead the new directorate and why a separate agency was created in the first place.
We also cover the surprising news almost 2 million people have been added to the shielding list and bumped up the vaccination priority groups. Why leave it so late in the pandemic to make such a significant decision?
Featuring Sharon Brenna...
2021-02-1928 minHSJ Health CheckEscaping the gloom – what 2021 holds for the NHSFour HSJ correspondents make their predictions for the NHS in 2021, from the vaccination programme and more reorganisation, through to change at the top, staffing and mental health.
Annabelle Collins, Dave West, Nick Carding and Rebecca Thomas also look back at how our 2020 forecasts panned out. Which was not too terrible, despite the cataclysmic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
2020-12-1745 minHSJ Health CheckIs primary care ready for the second wave?Recorded in the middle of another dramatic week for the NHS, the latest HSJ Health Check takes stock of whether primary care really has seen long-lasting innovation during the pandemic, and debates if a mood-measuring watch for GPs is the answer to burn-out.
We also discuss progress towards the “40 new hospitals” (or thereabouts), and the long-running saga of Chorley emergency department which a local campaign group now wants closed after ten years of campaigning for the opposite.
Featuring Nick Carding, Annabelle Collins, Lawrence Dunhill and Jasmine Rapson.
2020-11-0531 minHSJ Health CheckWhy the NHS was not prepared for covid wave twoAs covid wave two crashes onto the NHS in the north of England, HSJ Health Check discusses the last minute scrambles to try to protect elective care, and mass-test staff.
While covid-19’s second wave appears a little less destructive than the first, it is bringing steeply rising admissions in the areas most affected --- and sparking a somewhat chaotic reaction as health systems try to prepare for it while keeping planned care on track.
With the focus in the summer on restoring elective care while the sun shone; government did not fund the NHS’s re...
2020-10-1527 minHSJ Health CheckSimon SaysThis week the team delves into an exclusive HSJ’s summit interview with NHS chief executive Simon Stevens and weighs up the trade-offs the health service might need to make as covid cases rise, why legislation is still expected next year and why no comment on NHS finances could be significant. We also discuss the latest scandal exposing the abuse of patients at another private hospital for people with learning difficulties and autism. Featuring Rebecca Thomas, Dave West and Annabelle Collins.
2020-10-0132 minHSJ Health CheckWhat a second wave means for workforceThe pressure is rising again on the health service but keeping it running smoothly this winter will rely on its workforce. This week the HSJ Health Check focuses on some of the biggest issues facing NHS staff right now, covering ‘trade-offs’ after the spending review, staff testing chaos, and whether risk assessments are actually having an impact for vulnerable staff. Featuring Annabelle Collins, Nick Kituno, Alison Moore and Rebecca Thomas.
2020-09-2333 minHSJ Health CheckA good old-fashioned NHS finance rowPayment by results is being swept away in favour of system funding and block payments, much to the irritation of some NHS hospital chief executives. And is government giving the NHS what it needs to get through covid? The HSJ Health Check team discuss.
2020-09-1838 minHSJ Health CheckIs the government sacrificing cancer recovery in favour of Operation Moonshot?This week on the podcast the HSJ team discuss government plans to invest a reported £100bn to expand covid testing, amid thousands of people being denied potentially life-saving cancer screening during the pandemic's peak - according to new statistics. We ask: Could the £100bn be better spent working through the cancer backlog? We also discuss confidential documents - accidentally published - which reveal one CCG's modelling for a second peak and the results of the latest ‘HSJ100’ power-list.
2020-09-1034 minHSJ Health CheckThe vast 'known unknowns' facing the NHS this autumnAutumn will bring pivotal funding decisions in the comprehensive spending review, while the NHS battles to "lock in" covid reforms, seek "near normal" capacity, and anticipate a surge in mental health demand. It must also brace itself for whatever coronavirus will bring next.
Five HSJ correspondents explain what the next four months hold across finance, mental health, performance, technology, and the containment or resurgence of coronavirus.
2020-09-0335 minHSJ Health CheckHas covid changed hospital inspections forever?This week our expert team discuss if coronavirus has been the catalyst for permanent reform of the Care Quality Commission, following comments made about the new ‘streamlined’ inspections by its chief executive in an exclusive interview with HSJ.
We also discuss other aspects of the health service that may never revert to ‘normal’ and ask whether, in the face of major service reconfiguration, covid has threatened the social contract between patients and the NHS. Featuring James Illman, Annabelle Collins and Matt Discombe.
2020-08-2831 minHSJ Health CheckWhy the mistake in the People Plan mattersThe new NHS People Plan accidentally implied that being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer was a disability or long-term condition, sparking outcry. It has been corrected, and some have argued that criticism went too far, amounting to personal criticism of NHS England chief people office Prerana Issar, who has been working to change NHS culture and tackle discrimination. Meanwhile, NHS England has required new action on diversity and health inequalities from local NHS organisations, and a national lead says the NHS should hold its suppliers to account on leadership diversity, too.
With HSJ’s Alastair McLellan, Ni...
2020-08-1335 minHSJ Health CheckHancock’s full hourMatt Hancock set out his post covid vision for health and care in a long, meandering speech this week – HSJ Health Check dissects key themes including staffing, emergency care, digital, system working and social care.
With HSJ’s Dave West, Annabelle Collins, James Illman and Tom Norton.
2020-07-3142 minHSJ Health CheckA tale of three regionsThis week HSJ Health Check conducts a deep dive on the experience of three regions all affected by the virus in different ways and recovering at different rates. Our expert journalists explore the prospects in the West Midlands, the North West and London over the next six months and what the sticking points might be. Featuring Annabelle Collins, Rebecca Thomas, Ben Clover and Lawrence Dunhill.
2020-07-1527 minHSJ Health CheckWhy the Cumberlege review is being buriedA government-commissioned review this week reported on intense suffering by hundreds of women which was “entirely avoidable, caused and compounded by failings in the health system itself”. This week’s HSJ Health Check looks at how and why these findings by Baroness Julia Cumberlege are being buried by the government and the NHS.
With HSJ editor Alastair McLellan, quality and safety correspondent Matt Discombe, and deputy editor Dave West.
Send feedback to dave.west@wilmingtonhealthcare.com
2020-07-0939 minHSJ Health CheckHow covid turned NHS finances on their headFinance became a dirty word in the NHS as it went into covid crisis mode. Reality is slowly returning – but the world of NHS finances has been turned on its head. This week’s HSJ Health Check contemplates what’s changed, and the landscape for the coming months.
With HSJ’s Annabelle Collins, Katherine Hignett, and Dave West.
2020-07-0225 minHSJ Health CheckRunning the health service in a time of covidWith pubs reopening, why are many NHS services still closed or restricted? Why aren’t all staff being tested to prevent outbreaks?
This week’s HSJ Health Check explores the latest dilemmas for those running and working in the NHS as they try to operate health services while controlling covid infections, amid the ongoing pandemic.
With HSJ’s Dave West, Annabelle Collins, Nick Carding, and Matt Discombe.
2020-06-2533 minHSJ Health CheckHSJ Health Check special: Out of Adversity... Rapid change, NHS & Industry working togetherThis HSJ Podcast explores the changing relationship between the life sciences industry and the NHS. Forged by the covid crisis, protocols have been set aside and companies have worked with regulatory bodies to accelerate clinical trials and deliver equipment to the NHS front line. The panel reflects on events of the past few months and looks towards the future and with hope of a new style of working together.
HSJ editor Alastair McLellan talks to Hugo Breda, UK & Ireland Managing Director of Johnson & Johnson, Dr Rav Seeruthun, Medical Director, Roche UK, and Chris Hopson, Chief Executive at...
2020-06-2553 minHSJ Health CheckWhat will the next six months bring for the NHS?The NHS has gone through an enormous reconfiguration in response to the covid-19 pandemic, but as the health service moves into ‘phase three’, what happens next? HSJ’s editor Alastair Mclellan and senior correspondents Annabelle Collins and Nick Carding discuss.
2020-06-1143 minHSJ Health CheckThe vanishing BAME reviewWhat became of major chunks of the national review into why people with a BAME background have seen a greater death rate from covid-19 – which were written, then disappeared? Plus, June’s new look target for coronavirus testing, and what NHS capacity will be left with arduous infection control in place?
This week with HSJ’s Dave West, Ben Clover, Nick Carding and Alison Moore.
Contact dave.west@wilmingtonhealthcare.comwith feedback.
2020-06-0440 minHSJ Health CheckUnder the radar: What are we missing while coronavirus dominates?With the focus fixed firmly on coronavirus, there are important and urgent issues in healthcare going under the radar. This week four of HSJ’s expert journalists share the vital developments they think are going unnoticed – from the financial situation in mental health trusts, to problems still being caused by tax changes on medical consultants’ pensions.
With Dave West, Annabelle Collins, Rebecca Thomas and Matt Discombe.
2020-05-2837 minHSJ Health CheckHow the NHS performed during the peakThis week HSJ Health Check digs into the latest NHS performance data, revealing how coronavirus affected normal services – taking the weight off emergency departments, but adding millions to the waiting list.
We also discuss the need for scrutiny of how covid-19 is affecting people with mental health, learning disabilities and autism, the covid testing “black hole”, and why pressure is staying higher in the north of England.
Featuring Dave West, Ben Clover, Annabelle Collins and Rebecca Thomas
2020-05-1435 minHSJ Health CheckTesting, tracing and mortalityOn this week’s HSJ Health Check podcast we discuss where England’s covid-19 response on three key fronts.
With the government poised to announce some relaxation of lockdown measures bureau chief Ben Clover and three HSJ colleagues look at the testing drive, the new contact tracing app and trends in mortality.
After the government achieved its testing target by fiddling the rules, Nicholas Carding takes us through where the service stands on testing now and what to expect this month.
As the Isle of Wight becomes the laboratory for testing the new cont...
2020-05-0730 minHSJ Health CheckA covid-linked syndrome may be emerging in childrenOn this week’s HSJ Health Check podcast we discuss warnings over a possible covid-linked condition in children, and Sir Simon Steven’s new guidance on the next phase of the response for the NHS.
Children’s intensive care doctors have observed a small but growing number of cases, and issued warnings to try to ensure cases are not dismissed. Matt Hancock has ordered further investigation of the issue and said he is “very worried”.
We also discuss the latest guidance from the NHS England chief executive on how the health service will try to return more normal...
2020-04-3034 minHSJ Health CheckAfter the peak - recovery, restoration, reformFor much of the country, coronavirus has peaked. It came quicker than expected, but the virus is not going away anytime soon – and NHS leaders will have to rebuild their services around it in a new reality.
This week’s HSJ Health Check podcast considers the dilemmas of the next few weeks and months, such as how to resume elective care, use of the new Nightingale hospitals, and addressing the damage for those who have missed out on emergency care and support.
Featuring Sharon Brennan, Nicholas Carding, Rebecca Thomas, and Dave West.
Contact dave...
2020-04-2327 minHSJ Health CheckHSJ Health Check special: The NHS’s legal risk over covid-19This HSJ Health Check podcast special explores the legal rules and risks for the NHS as it tackles coronavirus.
HSJ senior correspondent Sharon Brennan speaks to lawyers Francesca Burfield and Max Duddles — who work for legal training and information specialists Bond Solon —– about the major implications of the covid-19 response in the health and care system; and the government’s sweeping legal changes.
They predict there will be widespread legal challenges to NHS providers and commissioners over their actions during the crisis, and recommend recording details of decisions which are taken.
2020-04-2031 minHSJ Health CheckBraced for coronavirus peak pressureCoronavirus continues to dominate the lives of healthcare leaders and policymakers, and this week’s HSJ Health Check examines the outlook for pressure on the NHS, the tech response, and the health toll of covid-19’s collateral damage.
Deputy editor Dave West is joined by bureau chief James Illman and correspondents Jasmine Rapson and Jack Serle.
Contact dave.west@wilmingtonhealthcare.comwith feedback or queries.
2020-04-0939 minHSJ Health CheckCoronavirus crisis grips the NHSAs dealing with coronavirus grips the NHS, we discuss three of the central challenges: kit – including PPE and ventilation equipment; staffing – including PPE and conflicting advice; and the impact on patients who do not have covid-19.
With HSJ’s Annabelle Collins, Sharon Brennan, Dave West and Ben Clover.
Warning: Please forgive some sound drop-outs due to technical problems with remote recording.
2020-04-0234 minHSJ Health CheckCovid-19 hits LondonThe HSJ news team breaks down this week’s essential coronavirus coverage, including warnings from leaders that ICU beds will run out in four days, the transformation of the excel centre into a new hospital and how ICU staffing ratios are being diluted to deal with the surge in patient numbers. We also delve deeper into our chief executive survey.
Featuring James Illman, Lawrencce Dunhill, Annabelle Collins and Rebecca Thomas.
2020-03-2526 min
2020-03-1315 min2020-03-1300 minHSJ Health CheckThe great coronavirus reconfigurationWith a coronavirus pandemic declared by WHO and Boris Johnson describing this as the biggest public health challenge in a generation, the HSJ Health Check podcast gets under the skin of the issue. We ask, what does the reconfiguration suggested by the chief medical issue involve and what does this mean for the NHS and patients? Annabelle Collins, Dave West, James Illman and Tom Norton also discuss the outcome of Wednesday’s budget.
2020-03-1330 min2020-03-1301 min2020-03-1300 min2020-03-1300 min2020-03-1300 minHSJ Health CheckWhat next for the A&E four-hour target?With the national targets review drawing to a close, what is going to happen to the totemic four-hour A&E waiting target? This week’s HSJ Health Check considers the latest developments and next steps in the high-stakes process of reform.
On coronavirus covid-19, we consider the latest evidence about the impact on the NHS – including the knock-on effect for major policy decisions, and the fallout for NHS finances.
On the finances, we also discuss our recent exclusive interview with the new head of the National Audit Office, in which he painted a damning picture of r...
2020-03-0528 minHSJ Health CheckAre the government’s priorities in order?This week HSJ Health Check examines the latest developments on the government’s “40 new hospitals” election promise, particularly the brand new £20bn construction framework through which this ambitious target would be taken forward. We also turn our attention to another of this government’s declared health priorities – prevention – including Sir Michael Marmot’s latest findings; and deputy editor Dave West’s dossier on how evidence that life expectancy and mortality rates are faltering go back eight years. Also featuring Annabelle Collins, Nick Carding and Jack Serle.
2020-02-2826 minHSJ Health CheckHas NHS England got too much power?The government is looking to curb NHS England’s powers but on HSJ.co.uk this week deputy editor Dave West has warned against giving more power to ministers. Here we discuss possible solutions to this very complex reorganisation.
Also – we dissect the hard-fought new GP contract and why primary care cuts in Birmingham could adversely affect minority ethnic patients. Featuring senior correspondent Annabelle Collins, deputy editor Dave West and correspondents Jack Serle and Katie Hignett.
2020-02-1432 minHSJ Health CheckSix home truths from an outgoing national directorThe links between hospitals and social care have got worse not better, poor health services are still being protected and preserved, and quality improvement has been cut. These are among the hard-hitting messages from the outgoing national clinical director for stroke services, Tony Rudd.
In this HSJ Health Check special, Professor Rudd – who previously oversaw the move to hyper-acute stroke services in London, where he was a long-serving consultant – shares six hard-hitting reflections and suggestions from his time at the centre of service reform.
His observations include:
There’s no evidence of improvement in the li...
2020-02-1238 minHSJ Health CheckCare quality at a crossroadsThe inquiry on rogue surgeon Ian Paterson, West Suffolk Hospital dropping two ratings; and staff trouble at the Care Quality Commission. We discuss care quality dilemmas past and present on this week's HSJ Health Check podcast.
Plus - the commissioning landscape from April, now final merger plans are in.
This week HSJ deputy editor Dave West is joined by editor Alastair McLellan, and senior correspondents Sharon Brennan and Annabelle Collins.
2020-02-0733 minHSJ Health CheckWhat’s in the new NHS planning guidance?The NHS’s marching orders for 2020-21 have been published, including some big changes to funding rules, and confirming the top priorities from Skipton House.
In this HSJ Health Check our expert journalists give a laserlike analysis of the new operational planning guidance, covering: Finance rules, targets and performance, learning disabilities, workforce, integration and system working.
Featuring deputy editor Dave West, bureau chief Lawrence Dunhill, senior correspondent for workforce Annabelle Collins, and senior correspondent for mental health Rebecca Thomas.
Comments and suggestions to dave.west@wilmingtonhealthcare.com
2020-01-3131 minHSJ Health CheckDigital twins: Babylon does integration and an ICS leadership exclusiveIntegrated care systems, digital health and growing the workforce – all are covered in this week’s HSJ Health Check.
There’s been a big shift in integrated care system leadership – HSJ integration correspondent Sharon Brennan reveals the top line findings exclusively for the podcast.
Jasmine Rapson, our digital services correspondent, discusses Babylon Health’s new deal with an NHS trust to build “digital-first integrated care”, including the chance to meet your “digital twin”.
And workforce correspondent Annabelle Collins on the next steps for international recruitment and the outlook for funding the NHS People Plan.
Hoste...
2020-01-2332 minHSJ Health CheckOff target: The four-hour standard and how long waits do harmThis week we talk waiting. The health secretary and NHS England run into problems with their moves to scrap the four-hour emergency department target – what are the concerns, and what’s the point of ditching it?
On the planned care waiting list – NHSE confirmed it has spent millions sending some patients to private providers this winter; and major long-term harm has been revealed from delays to ophthalmology follow-up checks.
How will the new government approach these major performance problems in hospital services?
Got feedback or something you would like us to discuss on HSJ He...
2020-01-1731 minHSJ Health CheckA&E, sexual assault on mental health wards and the future of primary care.HSJ bureau chief Ben Clover talks to correspondents, Rebecca Thomas, Jack Serle and James Illman.
The team cover exclusive figures on the prevalence of sexual assault in mental health settings, the A&E crisis and what is happening with PCNs – part of the big plan for overhauling primary care.
2020-01-1035 minHSJ Health CheckWhy the 2020s are (a bit) better than the 2010sIn a podcast exclusive, HSJ editor Alastair McLellan reveals the 10 things which were most important to NHS policy and leadership in the 2010s.
And why can health service leaders look forward to the next few years with a bit more hope?
We explore this – and the big issues facing the NHS in 2020 – in this new year’s HSJ Health Check. Including the NHS People Plan, new NHS legislation, capital funding, and Simon Stevens staying a little longer.
Got feedback or something you would like us to discuss? Contact dave.west@wilmingtonhealthcare.comor @davewwest.
2020-01-0335 minHSJ Health CheckWhat 2020 has in store: Tech, mental health and workforceHSJ Health Check this week gazes into the crystal ball for predictions for 2020, focusing on three of the biggest issues in 2019: Tech, mental health, and staffing.
Featuring Dave West, Rebecca Thomas, Annabelle Collins and Nick Carding.
2019-12-1930 minHSJ Health CheckWhat a Conservative majority means for the NHSThe general election results are in, and on this week’s HSJ Health Check the team gives our early analysis of what the Conservative majority government could mean for health and care policy and funding. Plus – the immediate issues on the NHS’s plate now the voting is out the way – including winter, Brexit, the NHS People Plan, and preparing for 2020-21.
Featuring HSJ deputy editor Dave West, senior correspondent James Illman, and correspondent Annabelle Collins.
2019-12-1332 minHSJ Health CheckWhen noro and flu visit earlyListen to the HSJ Health Check podcast — this week we cover the national workforce modelling as revealed by HSJ, norovirus and the flu turn up early, and a Midlands trust lands an “outstanding” rating.
The latest episode features HSJ deputy editor Dave West, bureau chief for performance and efficiency Ben Clover, senior correspondent for performance and Brexit James Illman, and workforce correspondent Annabelle Collins.
We discuss:
What do we learn from the leaked national nursing workforce modelling revealed this week by Annabelle?
How’s winter shaping up for the NHS, and vice versa?
What’s unusual about Sout...
2019-12-0633 minHSJ Health CheckHave the politicians forgotten mental health?This week’s HSJ Health Check is brought to you from the HSJ Mental Health Summit with special guests Sean Duggan, of the NHS Confederation, and Matthew Trainer – Oxleas Foundation Trust chief – joining HSJ correspondents Annabelle Collins and Rebecca Thomas. We discuss whether the politicians still care about mental health, given its low profile in the election campaign so far, and other top issues in the sector at the moment including whether more beds are really the answer.
2019-11-2929 minHSJ Health CheckElection manifesto specialThe political parties’ election manifestos are out, with lots to say about what they would do for health and social care. In this HSJ Health Check manifesto special, the HSJ team examines proposals from the Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal Democrats – looking across the big themes of funding, workforce and reform. Taking part are HSJ editor Alastair McLellan, integration correspondent Sharon Brennan, and bureau chief for efficiency and performance Ben Clover.
2019-11-2530 minHSJ Health CheckPensions crisis latestWhatever has happened to the trailed solution to the NHS pensions crisis? And what are the long-term consequences of doctors now discovering a work-life balance?
In other news, we discuss the Shrewsbury and Telford maternity care scandal, and the curious departure of an ex-private sector finance director from a long-strained London hospital trust.
Featuring HSJ deputy editor Dave West, workforce correspondent Annabelle Collins, bureau chief for finance and policy Lawrence Dunhill, and mental health correspondent Rebecca Thomas.
2019-11-2130 minHSJ Health Check‘Sane’ Labour’s plans for the NHSThis week’s HSJ Health Check discusses Labour’s big NHS announcements – and what they say about how it would manage the service. Plus the decision of Greater Manchester’s “devo” health and care chief to quit. With HSJ editor Alastair McLellan, deputy editor Dave West, correspondent Annabelle Collins, and bureau chief Lawrence Dunhill.
2019-11-1431 minHSJ Health CheckThe Pauline Philip letter – trusts told to do whatever it takesThis week’s HSJ Health Check takes in the letter sent to the provider sector telling trusts to take urgent steps to counteract the pensions crisis and its disastrous impact on services. Plus, where we are on dropping the A&E target and an analysis of the politics of workfore shortages
2019-11-0831 minHSJ Health CheckWhat the election means for the NHSThe latest episode features HSJ bureau chief Ben Clover, editor Alastair McLellan, senior correspondent James Illman, and correspondent Sharon Brennan.
We discuss what we know and don’t know about how the forthcoming general election - called this week by Parliament - will affect the NHS.
This podcast is available every Friday morning here and across the major platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and others.
Got feedback or something you would like us to discuss? Contact dave.west@wilmingtonhealthcare.com or @davewwest.
2019-11-0129 minHSJ Health CheckBrexit and the NHS's new billionsWhat would the prime minister's proposed Brexit deal mean for the NHS?
And are the service and its patients beginning to feel the benefit of the start of the government's £20.5bn extra funding?
We explain in the HSJ Health Check podcast, episode 2.
This week we feature HSJ deputy editor Dave West, bureau chief for performance and efficiency Ben Clover, senior correspondent for performance and Brexit James Illman, and workforce correspondent Annabelle Collins.
Each week HSJ Health Check will gather a cast from our team of expert journalists, to explain and debate the most importa...
2019-10-2531 minHSJ Health CheckHSJ Health Check: Episode OneListen to the first HSJ Health Check podcast – in which we debate care quality in mental health and learning disability hospitals, what defines success for NHS chief executives, and NHS legislation proposals.
This pilot episode features HSJ deputy editor Dave West, bureau chief for performance and efficiency Ben Clover, and mental health correspondent Rebecca Thomas.
Each week HSJ Health Check will gather a cast from our team of expert journalists, to explain and debate the most important news issues right now in NHS policy and leadership.
The podcast will be available on Friday mo...
2019-10-1840 min