The fact the NHS survives by a kind of miracle is one of its endearing British features – so said former health secretary, Kenneth Clarke. Well, can that miracle continue?

As we approach the NHS’s 75th birthday in July, we’re launching a series of three podcast episodes setting out the big questions facing the health service. This first episode explores current pressures on the NHS, economy and wider society and what the future might hold.

What are the questions that policymakers may face as the population’s health and care needs change over the coming decade? How can the UK economy power the investment needed for health services to survive and thrive? And how can more long-term thinking help to foster good health and economic productivity?

To discuss, our chief executive Dr Jennifer Dixon is joined by:

Professor Jagjit Chadha, Director of the National Institute of Economic and Social Research and chair of the UK Productivity Commission 

Anita Charlesworth, Director of Research and the REAL Centre at the Health Foundation.

Show notes

NIESR (2023). UK economic outlook – Spring 2023 

Chadha (2023). ‘Commentary: fixing the mix’. National Institute Economic Review.   

Office for National Statistics (2022) National population projections 

Health Foundation (2022). How many hospital beds will the NHS need over the coming decade?  

Health Foundation (2022). How does UK health spending compare across Europe over the past decade?  

Health Foundation (2022). NHS workforce projections 2022  

Health Foundation (2022). Health is wealth? Strengthening the UK’s immune system