In their latest podcast Niall Dickson and Roy Lilley are joined by former health secretary, foreign secretary, and chancellor,  Sir Jeremy Hunt.

In a fascinating insight, reflecting on his years in power, Sir Jeremy reveals how terrified he was to find himself responsible for the NHS knowing nothing much beyond his own constituency issues. Over time he says he learned how to work the system to secure more resources for the NHS from the Treasury.  He says being Foreign Secretary was great fun and you were not blamed for anything, while being health secretary was a privilege, but you were blamed for everything. He feels that having NHS England as an arm’s length body worked during his time, and that Wes Streeting needs to be careful what he wishes for in ordering its abolition.

Sir Jeremy admits cuts to social care went too far in 2010 and says he wanted to do more but was moved on before he could follow up his 2019 NHS cash injection. He remains passionate about patient safety and calls for no fault medical negligence, the abolition of all NHS targets and a single budget at local level for older people receiving NHS and social care services. 

The Convert 

What happens when a leading banker groomed in the disciplines and attitudes of the private sector finds himself in charge of the NHS in England? Surely he will be highly sceptical at least, suspicious and critical at best? But no - the story of Richard Meddings the outgoing NHS England Chair is of a Damascene conversion. In this podcast with Niall Dickson an Roy Lilley, Richard reveals himself as an arch defender of the NHS at every level including the achievements of the about to be abolished NHS England.

Unmasking Healthcare Funding

In this episode Roy and Niall are joined by Paul Johnson, Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies.  They uncover the truth behind political claims about healthcare funding and discuss the real challenges ahead for patients and staff.