Best HSJ Podcasts (2026)

1
What’s in store for the NHS in 2026? 45:12

Play Pause

8d ago45:12

45:12

It’s time for the HSJ team to take stock and make their predictions for what the New Year could bring for the NHS, from the survival of Healthwatch, to why the NHS App could be in for a tough year. Also, the biggest estates challenges facing trusts and why the ‘choice’ row is set to escalate. Thanks for listening to the Health Check podcast this ye…

1
The making of a Health Bill - How to abolish NHS England 49:20

21d ago49:20

49:20

This week we bring you the latest in our series of HSJ Health Check podcasts tracking the development of the government’s planned Health Bill. On this episode Dave and Annabelle are joined by Mark Dayan and Sarah Reed from the Nuffield Trust and we focus on the abolition of NHS England, drawing on research the think tank has just published. We cove…

1
The big waiting list clean-up 24:36

28d ago24:36

24:36

The government made bringing down elective waits its key target for the NHS, and ministers often celebrate how much the list has fallen since Labour came to power. However, we reveal the part that waiting list clean-ups have played in cutting the list this year – alongside growing some types of activity, and other reforms – and why some experts are…

1
The recipe for a new NHS CEO 33:05

28d ago33:05

33:05

Sir Jim Mackey is expected to end his tenure as ‘transition CEO’ of NHS England next year, so we ask what sort of candidate could be up for the “impossible” job of running the health service. Also, we dig into what the budget means for the NHS, including how much the pot will be reduced by to pay for the massive redundancy programme.…

1
Money troubles 29:42

1M ago29:42

29:42

This week Ben Clover fills in for Annabelle Collins and is joined by Ella Deverux and Zoe Tidman. The team discuss Ella's exclusive on the NHS App breaking cancer diagnosis news to patients ahead of a human, plus Zoe takes us through where the service is on finance, including a trust down to one day's operating costs.…

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Wes almost says sorry 32:47

2M ago32:47

32:47

NHS England has finally launched its much-delayed voluntary redundancy scheme so on this episode we cover everything we know so far and the questions that remain. Health secretary Wes Streeting also acknowledged this week in a speech to NHS leaders he has not resolved the redundancies quickly enough and that things had been particularly hard for in…

1
Critical incident 25:34

2M ago25:34

25:34

This week the team look at what happens when the 2nd most stressful thing that can happen to a trust coincides with winter pressures. Plus NHS England's big ask from ICBs. This week's podcast is hosted by tech editor Ben Clover, standing in for Annabelle Collins, and he is joined by Joe Talora and Mimi Launder…

1
Planning guidance explained - with NHS Providers’ CEO 33:26

2M ago33:26

33:26

NHS England has published its planning guidance - now rechristened the “Medium Term Planning Framework” - so this week we cover what it will mean for the service, with guest Daniel Elkeles, CEO of NHS Providers. We dig into promises to end what NHSE claims is “an operating model that had become overly bureaucratic”, the challenging performance targ…

1
How the Leeds Way went wrong 36:48

2M ago36:48

36:48

Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, one of the biggest acute providers in Europe, was seen as an example of how a trust can turn things around, despite its size and complexity. However, over recent months it has come under intense scrutiny, with a major maternity scandal unfolding and serious concerns about governance and leadership. Its former CEO Sir…

1
Can patients save the NHS? 37:35

3M ago37:35

37:35

This week the HSJ Health Check podcast explores how Labour hopes a fundamental change in the relationship between patients and services can turn the NHS around. We’ll also ask whether the government has shot itself in the foot with its the ill-conceived pledge to abolish NHS England and slash staff at commissioning bodies.…

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The NHS's ugly baby 22:56

3M ago22:56

22:56

This week we take a look at two of the hottest topics in the NHS – productivity and technology. We’ll ask whether trusts really are getting more productive – and whether it’s fair to compare one to another. And this episode explores why health service leaders need to be keep their egos in check – but only when it comes to tech. With Henry Anderson,…

1
The making of a Health Bill - What Ian Dodge learned about legislation 55:25

3M ago55:25

55:25

The 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 rarel…

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Why the NHS is going private for cancer checks 42:30

3M ago42:30

42:30

This week we discuss an exclusive story about a major expansion of cancer testing centres that will see the private sector take on a bigger role delivering NHS services. We’ll weigh up the success of the community diagnostic testing programme so far - and ask if one crucial factor could be holding it back. Also, an update on plans to launch a ‘sing…

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ICB chiefs jump ship 35:07

3M ago35:07

35:07

This week two more integrated care board chief executives have quit, the latest in a string of resignations amid major changes to their role. We discuss what’s driving this leadership churn and also an update on the delayed redundancy scheme. And we reflect on Labour's first year in charge of the NHS, asking what drove the government to gamble on a…

1
How to win the (NHS) league 30:21

4M ago30:21

30:21

HSJ Health Check returns this week, just as NHS England unveils new performance rankings for every trust in England. We unpick how the league table is drawn up, ask who exactly it is aimed at, and whether it will have any meaningful impact on performance and transparency. Also, more on the cost of the latest doctors’ strikes and the financial asks …

1
Deficits are cancelled 26:23

5M ago26:23

26:23

This week on the last HSJ podcast before the summer recess, we cover what is going on with more than £2bn that NHS England wants to take off overspending trusts. Henry Anderson and Dave West dig into this, and Wes Streeting’s promise to move some of this money into deprived areas – asking if this will actually work. Also an update on plans for mana…

1
Mackey vs the BMA 29:35

6M ago29:35

29:35

This week the HSJ team looks at the upcoming resident doctors' strike, plus how satisfied the public is primary care. Bureau chief Ben Clover, standing in for Annabelle Collins is joined by workforce correspondent Nick Kituno to talk about the BMA's latest strike action following the dramatic policy intervention made by NHSE Boss Sir Jim Mackey ear…

1
Spending too much on safety 45:36

6M ago45:36

45:36

Penny Dash's long-awaited review into safety and quality came out this week and put cost-effectiveness at the heart of implementing future recommendations from reviews and inquires. We cover the biggest changes - including the scrapping of Healthwatch - and whether yet more upheaval will be worth it. Also this week an update on the government's nei…

1
A profound disappointment 51:19

6M ago51:19

51:19

The 10-Year Health Plan has been published, so this week Alastair McLellan and Dave West cover what really matters in the 150-page document, and why it's such a disappointment. Also, what happened to the last chapter on delivery?

1
NHS England's hardline on AI 42:40

6M ago42:40

42:40

This week we cover concerns about the safety of certain AI technology used in the NHS, as NHS England tries to exert order over a chaotic market. We also discuss the health secretary’s announcement of a “national maternity investigation” and the unanswered questions surrounding this unusual decision. And finally, we talk more about HSJ revelations …

1
Who’s really in charge of neighbourhood health? 36:42

7M ago36:42

36:42

This episode explores the evolving concept of neighbourhood health, the question marks over who will take the lead in each area and why ICBs still have an important role to play. We’re joined by Andrew Bland, chief executive of South East London ICB and London’s neighbourhood lead, and Ruth Rankine, director of the NHS Confederation’s primary care …

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How the government should deal with another doctors' strike 26:02

7M ago26:02

26:02

HSJ editor Alastair McLellan sits down with NHS Confederation chief executive Matthew Taylor during this year’s ConfedExpo conference, which has been happening at the same time as the Chancellor’s spending review. They cover whether Labour may have hoped for more money for the health service, NHS reform (and the personalities involved), the cultura…

1
The making of a Health Bill - Your dream legislation 40:12

7M ago40:12

40:12

This week we bring you the latest in our series of HSJ Health Check podcasts tracking the development of the government’s planned Health Bill. The series will explore what ministers and officials have in store as their vision for the NHS emerges, as well as the ups and downs of the process and politics of delivering legislation. This week, Dave Wes…

1
Why some NHS staff are facing a pay cut 35:17

7M ago35:17

35:17

Earlier this month the government announced a “carrot and stick” approach to senior manager pay, so this week we go into the detail about what this will mean in practice and how it could affect recruitment to a workforce already facing a lot of churn. Also, more on another way financial incentives will be used in the new NHS, and what the health se…

1
The state of maternity services 35:04

7M ago35:04

35:04

This week the team look at two long-running issues in the NHS. Bureau chief Ben Clover, standing in for Annabelle Collins, is joined by Alison Moore to discuss whether scandal-ridden maternity services are going to get another national review, and whether that would be a good thing. Plus a look at some of the fundamentals in the sector. Then Ben is…

1
Why AI isn't taking off in the NHS 34:12

8M ago34:12

34:12

In many areas the NHS is still in the foothills when it comes to using artificial intelligence, with most of the innovation found in diagnostics and speech dictation. Trusts and tech companies talk of untapped opportunity, so we discuss some of the barriers, from poor clarity over how products are approved, to a lack of money and time to make the i…

1
ICBs get their marching orders 24:57

8M ago24:57

24:57

NHS England has revealed its new “model ICB blueprint”, which will see more than a dozen functions transferring out of integrated care boards and requirements to cut the number of board members. We cover what the new slimmed-down ICBs will look like and what these changes will mean for providers. Also - HSJ revealed last week NHSE and the governmen…

1
The making of a Health Bill - part 1 42:44

8M ago42:44

42:44

The first in an occasional series of HSJ Health Check podcasts tracking the development of the government’s planned Health Bill, which is due to bring about the biggest change in the central running of the NHS for more than a decade. The government’s plans raise huge questions about how the NHS will be run in coming years. The series will explore w…

1
What to do about the NHS’s capital drought 32:00

9M ago32:00

32:00

HSJ revealed last week at least £150m has been wasted planning for "new hospitals" that might never materialise. We explore where else trusts can turn, with major state-funded rebuilds now off the agenda for many areas. That could mean reviving private financing, a new drive on patch-up maintenance efforts, and a much greater reliance on community …

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The future of ICBs and NHSE 40:47

9M ago40:47

40:47

This week the team look at the continuing fallout from the ICB cuts and pending abolition of NHS England, following the first interview with new boss Sir Jim Mackey. Bureau chief Ben Clover stands in for Annabelle Collins as host and is joined by Dave West and Mimi Launder

1
The never-ending care scandal 38:26

9M ago38:26

38:26

Another damning coroner’s report has been published following the preventable death of baby Ida Lock at a Lancashire hospital, so this week we take a closer look at why the NHS is beset with so many maternity scandals. It has also been reported health secretary Wes Streeting is considering a public inquiry into maternity care, and we discuss why th…

1
The week that changed everything 50:48

10M ago50:48

50:48

As the dust begins to settle, we unpick one of the busiest weeks ever for NHS news. We talk more about what the abolition of NHS England means for integrated care boards, Jim Mackey’s top team and their reset plans, and NHSE’s u-turn on imposing a new cap on elective spending.

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The ups and downs of the NHS staff survey 24:23

10M ago24:23

24:23

The annual NHS Staff Survey results have been released, so this week we take a closer look at this year’s trends. Among the findings is a worrying rise in the proportion of staff experiencing violence and discrimination from patients and the public. HSJ’s Annabelle Collins and Nick Kituno are joined by Picker Institute CEO Chris Graham.…

1
The big patient choice row 28:24

10M ago28:24

28:24

This week we discuss why private providers are threatening to refuse to treat NHS patients, and why hospital bosses are equally vexed. We also cover how the outdated NHS IT estate has become a national security issue and what needs to be done to stop future data breaches and cyber attacks.

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The decline and fall of NHS England 39:22

10M ago39:22

39:22

Amanda Pritchard is stepping down as NHS England’s CEO at the end of next month, while Wes Streeting embarks on a massive reorganisation of the centre. This week we cover the reaction to this news, what’s lies in store for NHSE and who will be steering it through this significant change. Also - an update on some top appointments at the Care Quality…

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The year of the pig 39:24

10M ago39:24

39:24

This 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 ge…

1
Tough talk on deficits 28:33

11M ago28:33

28:33

This week we take a closer look at Wes Streeting’s tough talk on NHS deficits – the health and social care secretary has told the NHS there can be no overspending without consequences. But what will this actually mean in practice, how has NHS England responded, and what will trusts have to cut to balance the books? Also this week, we discuss anHSJ …

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Unpacking the planning guidance 43:11

11M ago43:11

43:11

NHS England published the 2025-26 planning guidance last week, so we break down what it means for the service. We discuss new targets, including a challenging elective care ambition, the high-profile commitments dropped, and news that trusts are to take on more responsibilities from ICBs next year. A busy few days also saw the NHS’s mandate for 202…

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Penny Dash and David Nicholson on the 10-year plan 55:22

11M ago55:22

55:22

HSJ Health Check is joined by two of the most influential and experienced NHS leaders to talk about lessons for the government's 10-year plan from their systems, and from the past. Former NHS England chief Sir David speaks about how the Black Country, where he is now a trust chair, has used community services to reduce emergency admissions among ol…

1
Delay and disappointment for the ‘new hospitals’ 30:15

11M ago30:15

30:15

This week the government finally revealed its new - and mostly delayed - target dates for the building of the promised “new hospitals”. It left many trusts and communities severely disappointed and worried about how they will deliver care from ageing, and sometimes dangerous, estates. We discuss the revised timelines for the NHP, the reaction from …

1
The fall of an NHS giant 28:04

12M ago28:04

28:04

On this episode we unpick the ongoing tensions among leaders and senior doctors at one of the biggest trusts in England. University Hospitals Birmingham - previously a flagship teaching trust with an influential leadership - has been through the mire over the past few years, with a string of concerns over culture and care quality. A new top team sa…

1
The plan for electives 28:02

12M ago28:02

28:02

This week the team looks at the new elective recovery plan launched this month. The government has tightened to focus on what improvement looks like and introduced some new incentives, but will it be enough? We also take a look at the ever-contentious New Hospitals Programme. Bureau chief Ben Clover is joined by Henry Anderson and Zoe Tidman.…

1
What’s coming in 2025 for the NHS 43:36

1y ago43:36

43:36

The 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 Launde…

1
Break-even or pay-freeze 25:26

1y ago25:26

25:26

This week the team looks at the fallout from the government’s positions on staff pay from band 2 to VSM via the banks and agencies. Bureau chief Ben Clover is joined by reporters Henry Anderson and Alison Moore.

1
Targets and terror and tech 32:23

1y ago32:23

32:23

This week bureau chief Ben Clover is joined by Mimi Launder and Joe Talora. The team talk about who is really in charge of overseeing providers and what Labour’s big plan to overhaul the health tech sector might mean.

1
Directors on the stand at Thirlwall Inquiry 27:58

1y ago27:58

27:58

This week, the podcast looks at accountability in the NHS and the Thirlwall Inquiry

1
Named and shamed 34:33

1y ago34:33

34:33

This week guest host Ben Clover is joined by emergency care correspondent Matt Discombe and safety correspondent Emily Townsend. The team unpack the many policy implications of announcements made at last week's NHS Providers conference, as well as a big moment in the main auditorium. A worrying development with echoes of the Noughties also comes un…

1
What health leaders want from the 10-year plan 55:34

1y ago55:34

55:34

ICS leader Fiona Edwards, trust chief Daniel Elkeles, and policy guru Nigel Edwards join the HSJ podcast to tell us what's needed from the government's 10-year health plan. Helping and reforming general practice will be crucial, they agreed, but what should be dictated nationally and what must be left to national decisions?…

1
What the 'left shift' means for hospitals 25:31

1y ago25:31

25:31

This week on the HSJ Health Check podcast, guest host Ben Clover is joined by the deputy chief executive of NHS Providers to talk money, quality and the CQC

1
Winter 'panic buying' 21:58

1y ago21:58

21:58

This week guest host Ben Clover and the team look at what no money for winter means for the NHS, and how real a bold new integration scheme is.