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 what ministers and officials have in store as their vision emerges, as well as the ups and downs of the process and politics of delivering legislation. This week Dave West and Annabelle Collins are joined by Bill Morgan, who as a seasoned political adviser in 10 Downing Street and the Department of Health has a hand in the several major pieces of health legislation, and Sharon Brennan, who as director of policy at National Voices has already given evidence to MPs on the latest plans.
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42:44
What to do about the NHS’s capital drought
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 services and tech.Also this week, Samantha Jones’ likely appointment as new permanent secretary of the DHSC, and another significant senior appointment to NHSE.Correction: £1bn - not £100m - is allocated to building safety works and reinforced aerated autoclaved concrete this year, although the point that more is needed still stands.
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32:00
The future of ICBs and NHSE
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
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40:47
The never-ending care scandal
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 this might not bring about the fast change so badly needed. Also, we cover the ongoing chaos within the board of a world-leading specialist London trust.
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38:26
The week that changed everything
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.
HSJ Health Check: Weekly analysis of the biggest issues in health policy and leadership, from HSJ's expert journalists. The go to place for an independent, informed and immediate take on health and care news.
UK