Health On The Line

In this episode of Health on the Line, we dive deep into the challenges and future of the ambulance sector, often described as the ‘canary in the coalmine’ for NHS pressures.  Host Matthew Taylor is joined by three leading voices in the field: Anna Parry, managing director of the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives  Simon Weldon, chief executive of South East Coast Ambulance Service Dr John Martin, chief executive of South Western Ambulance Service Together, they explore the implications of the NHS's 10 Year Health Plan and the Urgent and Emergency Care (UEC) Plan for ambulance services. From digital integration and neighbourhood health to the evolving role of paramedics, this conversation highlights both the ambition and the complexity of transforming urgent care while "flying the plane" of daily service delivery. Health on the Line is an NHS Confederation podcast, produced by Health Comms Plus.We also hear from Sarah Walter, director of the ICS Network at the NHS Confederation, to discuss the model region blueprint, a document that will set out how the English regions will be managed in the future and what that means for integrated care boards and providers alike.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Health on the Line, Matthew Taylor is joined by Andrew Bland, ICS lead for South East London, and Ruth Rankine, director of the NHS Confederation’s Primary Care Network, to discuss the shift to neighbourhood health as outlined in the 10 Year Health Plan. Together they delve into the merits of the plan and possible barriers to its delivery, while reflecting on the emphasis on proactive, preventative and population-based care.  Andrew shares insights from South East London’s rapid progress in implementing integrated care across boroughs like Bexley, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark in London. We’ll also hear from Ian Perrin, assistant director of the ICS Network at the NHS Confederation, on latest developments around integrated care board (ICB) redundancies and reports that at least one ICB is pausing plans over funding concerns. Liked this podcast? Share your thoughts, comments and questions with us by emailing healthcommsplus@nhsconfed.org   Our guests for this episode are:   Andrew Bland - ICB Chief Executive Officer Designate, South East London ICS Ruth Rankine - Director of the Primary Care Network at NHS Confederation Ian Perrin - Assistant Director for Policy, ICS Network  Health on the Line is an NHS Confederation podcast, produced by HealthCommsPlus.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Health on the Line, we’re diving into all things digital and how it relates to the Ten-Year Health Plan for the NHS. To discuss the topic, we are joined by Andrea Winders, head of business development for life sciences and healthcare at MIDAS (Greater Manchester’s Inward Investment Agency), and Dr Nnenna Osuji, chief executive of North Middlesex Hospital, to unpack the NHS’s ambitious digital transformation plan. The conversation explores how the NHS can harness data, AI and digital tools to create the most digitally accessible health system in the world. From the promise of the NHS App as a ‘doctor in your pocket’ to the challenges of infrastructure, interoperability and staff training, our guests offer candid insights into what’s working and where improvements can be made. We also hear from Annie Bliss, senior policy advisor at the NHS Confederation, who delves into government plans to reintroduce performance league tables and what this means for the NHS. Our guests for this episode are: Dr Nnenna Osuji, chief executive of North Middlesex Hospital,Andrea Winders, head of business development for life sciences and healthcare at MIDASAnnie Bliss, senior policy adviser at the NHS ConfederationHealth on the Line is an NHS Confederation podcast, produced by Health Comms Plus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Matthew Taylor is joined by Dr Ify Okocha, James Duncan and Rebecca Gray to unpack the mental health implications of the government's new Ten-Year Health Plan. From the rollout of neighbourhood health centres to mental health support in schools, the panel explores whether the plan’s bold ambitions can meet the realities of delivery. They also dive into harnessing digital tools, the social determinants of mental ill health, the role of integrated care boards and how working with local leadership can drive meaningful change. Our guests for this episode are: Dr Ify Okocha, chief executive of Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust James Duncan, chief executive of Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust Rebecca Gray, director of the NHS Confederation’s Mental Health Network Plus, we hear from Tom Gurney, director of strategic communication and engagement at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board for this week’s Leader in Six.  Health on the Line is an NHS Confederation podcast, produced by HealthCommsPlus  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since its creation in 1948, the NHS has had to move with the times. But while change is an ever-present feature, can the NHS approach it in a different or better way? In this bonus episode, Matthew Taylor puts the question to Dr Richard Jones and Dr Llinos Jones from the ChangeACADEMY. The academy – a programme offered by AstraZeneca (AZ) in collaboration with the NHS Confederation – creates change leaders that can deliver strategic, system-level change on behalf of NHS organisations and the patients it serves. Richard, a faculty member, and Llinos, alumnus of the academy, shed light on the academy’s approach to change and how it’s improving patient care and outcomes. They also unpack how to untangle the knotty issues of spreading and scaling good practice and innovation across the NHS. This podcast episode has been developed in collaboration with AstraZeneca. Guest speakers have been contracted by AstraZeneca. This episode is intended for UK Healthcare Professionals and other Relevant Decision Makers. The ChangeACADEMY is a non-promotional service initiated and funded by AstraZeneca and offered to the NHS as Donated Goods and Services (DOGS).  This service is offered to clinical and non-clinical personnel who represent NHS Healthcare organisations and meet the delegate criteria. The views and opinions expressed are those of the Speakers. GB-66536, Date of Preparation: May 2025Health on the Line is an NHS Confederation podcast, produced by HealthCommsPlus  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this episode of Health on the Line, we're joined by three expert guests to unpack the government's Ten-Year Health Plan, which has just been released. We'll be reflecting on the key elements of the plan – what it means for the health and care service and the kinds of shifts that will be needed for it to be successful. We also reflect on the current landscape that the plan lands in with changes within integrated care boards and acutes, in particular; the capacity needed to achieve the neighbourhood shift; and discuss what the barriers to success of the plan might be and how these could be overcome.Our guests for this episode are: Claire Fuller, GP and Primary Care Medical Director for NHS England Sam Allen, Chief Executive, North East and North Cumbria ICB Bill Morgan, former Number 10 health adviser Gubby-Ayida, chief executive of Evelina London’s Women's and Children's Services, part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust is with us for our Leader in Six.  Health on the Line is an NHS Confederation podcast, produced by HealthCommsPlus  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this episode of Health on the Line, recorded live at NHS ConfedExpo 2025, we’re exploring all things comms and engagement within the NHS.  Our communications director Daniel Reynolds leads the discussion and is joined by three communications executives with deep experience in the sector: Edna Boampong, Ranjeet Kaile and Rory Hegarty.  The lively discussion covers everything from challenges facing comms professionals in the sector: whether the profession has a ‘branding’ problem; diversity in the NHS; and harnessing the power of AI.  Edna Boampong is director of communications and engagement at Liverpool City Council. Ranjeet Kaile is executive director of communications, public affairs and stakeholder engagement at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and South East London ICB.    Rory Hegarty is executive director of communications and involvement at North West London ICB.   Health on the Line is an NHS Confederation podcast, produced by HealthCommsPlus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of Health on the Line, recorded live from NHS ConfedExpo 2025, host Matthew Taylor is joined by Channel 4’s Victoria Macdonald and The Sunday Times’ Shaun Lintern to reflect on two packed days of debate, insight, and networking. With almost 7,000 delegates and over 150 sessions, the trio discuss their key takeaways from the conference—including health secretary Wes Streeting’s speech, Jim Mackey’s leadership style at NHS England, and the emerging contours of the government’s ten-year health plan.Health on the Line is an NHS Confederation podcast, produced by HealthCommsPlus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of NHS ConfedExpo 2025, Matthew Taylor caught up with the new Chief Executive of NHS England, Sir Jim Mackey, for a wide-ranging discussion touching on the challenges facing the health system, the 10 year health plan, navigating politics and developing leadership across the NHS. Plus, our Leader in Six with Lorraine Mattis, Chief Executive of University of Suffolk Dental CIC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

FEED SWAP. Our Leading Improvement in Health and Care podcast is back for a second series. To give you a flavour of the show, we're putting out episode one on our Health on the Line stream.In this episode we’re exploring how to mobilise change effectively within and between organisations, particularly in relation to the government’s forthcoming Ten Year Plan for the NHS.With unique insights into how effective change has been implemented, core principles to apply and how to approach these in relation to the Ten Year Plan, we’re joined by Dr. Gary Howsam, Chief Clinical Improvement Officer NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough ICB and Annie Williamson, research fellow in health and care at the IPPR.For more information on out Learning and Improving Across Systems Peer Learning Programme, please visit: https://www.nhsconfed.org/learning-improving-systems/peer-learning.NEXT WEEK SIR JIM MACKEY - INTERVIEW WITH NHS ENGLAND CEO. He talks to Matthew Taylor ahead of Confed Expo 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The budget cuts to integrated care boards and their impact are a shock to many across the health care system, but also an opportunity for leaders to implement changes in the fundamental structures of primary and secondary care. Could this be the moment to make the investment shift to primary and community services?To discuss the potential and pitfalls, Matthew is joined by Rory Deighton, director of the NHS Confederation’s acute network, and Ruth Rankine, director of our primary care network.Our Leader In Six segment is with Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of NHS Providers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the recent release of the ICB operating model blueprint, Matthew discusses the future for how ICBs may operate in the face of the 50 per cent cut in operating costs.  Crucial to the future success of ICBs will be the importance of working with local government and the need for strategic commissioning.  Joining Matthew on the podcast are two ICB leaders who were part of the working group that helped develop the blueprint: David Melbourne, chief executive of Birmingham and Solihull ICB, and Jan Thomas, chief executive of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough ICB. This week's Leader in Six interview is with Kate Shields, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ICB chief executive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the eve of our Care Closer to Home conference, we explore the urgent need to shift healthcare from hospitals to primary and community settings. Despite decades of ambition, acute priorities still dominate. In this episode we hear from Birmingham and Solihull ICB on the shifts they’ve been making in this area. Joining Matthew in the conversation is Paul Sherriff, executive director of Birmingham and Solihull ICB; Richard Kirby, chief executive of Birmingham Community Healthcare and Ruth Rankine, Director of the NHS Confederations Primary Care Network.Plus, our Leader in Six with Helen Ray, outgoing chief executive of North East Ambulance Service. And read more in the following publications:Beyond the waiting room: reimagining primary care for the next decade | NHS Confederation The future of primary care | NHS ConfederationFind out more about becoming part of our primary care network here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Matthew Taylor and HSJ Editor Alastair McLellan discuss the complexities of NHS leadership, the role of managers, and the impact of health policy narratives. They explore the challenges of reporting on NHS management – including insights on the HSJ's own approach. Matthew’s also joined by Anna Parry, MD of the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, to talk winter waiting times. Plus, Dorset ICB Chief executive Patricia Miller steps up for another round of Leader in 6.  And we'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast. Please take five minutes to fill in this short survey: https://www.nhsconfed.org/HOTL  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s Health on the Line, Matthew speaks to Stephanie Cartwright, Group Director of Place for Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust and the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, leading the place based partnerships in the Black Country ICS. Steph talks about the power and potential of work at Place level and what’s happening in her area, as well as the new report published by the NHS Confederation on the State of Integration at Place.Matthew also brings us another of his quick fire 'Leader in 6' interviews with Tracey Bleakley, ICB CEO for Norfolk and Waveney.We'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast. Please take five minutes to fill in this short survey: https://www.nhsconfed.org/HOTL  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Matthew Taylor discusses the pressing issues of economic inactivity and health challenges in the UK with Chris Smyth, Whitehall Editor for The Times, highlighting the alarming trend of rising economic inactivity due to health issues and the need for a coordinated approach to tackle these challenges.  Matthew's also joined by former NHS Chief Executive Paul Roberts to discuss his new report on shared leadership models, along with Stacey Hunter, Group CEO for North Tees and Hartlepool and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts. Their discussion delves into the benefits and challenges of shared leadership models in the NHS, emphasising the importance of clarity of purpose and support for leaders in navigating these new organisational structures. And we'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast. Please take five minutes to fill in this short survey: https://www.nhsconfed.org/HOTL  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matthew Taylor takes a deep dive into the Autumn Budget and what it means for the NHS with Sally Gainsbury, senior policy analyst at Nuffield Trust. They explore the challenges posed by the current financial landscape and ongoing negotiations regarding NHS funding and public health budgets. Matthew’s also joined by Patricia Miller, chief executive of NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board, to discuss the recent shift towards preventative care and the role of local systems in achieving health goals. And we'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast. Please take five minutes to fill in this short survey: https://www.nhsconfed.org/HOTL  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The recently released CQC (Care Quality Commission) review has highlighted systemic failings in how the organisation operates. We speak to the author Penny Dash, chair of North West London Integrated Care Board, about what went wrong, and what happens from here on? Also, in this podcast we find out about the NHS Confederation's recent report on the future of Neighbourhood Health. What does effective community engagement look like from a health perspective?Read our response to CQC review here: https://www.nhsconfed.org/news/nhs-confederation-responds-interim-report-care-quality-commissionOur report "Working better together in neighbourhoods": https://www.nhsconfed.org/publications/working-better-together-neighbourhoodsAnd we'd love to hear your thoughts on our podcast. Take five minutes to fill in this short survey: https://www.nhsconfed.org/HOTL Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With integrated care systems now just over two years old, how effective are they in succeeding at their goals, and what needs to change for them to be more effective in the coming years? Matthew Taylor talks to Dr Kathy McLean OBE, chair of the NHS Confederation’s ICS Network and NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board, as we release our State of Integrated Care Systems in 2023/24 report. Before that, Matthew speaks to Bridget Gorham, health economics policy adviser at the NHS Confederation, as new research highlights the economic imperative of investing in women’s health services. An additional £1 invested in obstetrics and gynaecology services per woman in England could generate a staggering £319 million return to the economy. We'd love to find out what you think about the podcast. If you could spare just five minutes, fill in this short survey and send us your views. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government was elected on a pledge to hit the 18-week waiting target for elective care within five years. But how achievable is this with the current level of investment? Hannah Farrar of CF, a health and data consultancy, argues that without strategic transformation, digitising processes and collaborative innovation the needle will barely move.Also, on the back of Lord Darzi's report on the state of the NHS in England, Siva Anandaciva from The King's Fund talks to Matthew about what is has to say on effective NHS management and looming winter pressures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.