37: What do the main political parties really have in store for health? – with Rachel Wolf and Stephen Bush

The Health Foundation podcast

A general election is expected in 2024 and no party can ignore the NHS − but what do they plan to do on health?
The health service regularly tops voter concerns, consumes a growing share of public spending and features daily in the media. The health of the nation is also moving up the agenda, with ill health the main reason why 2.6 million working-age people are economically inactive.
So what are the main parties planning as we move towards an election and have the party conferences revealed anything new?
To discuss, our Chief Executive Jennifer Dixon is joined by:

• Rachel Wolf, Partner at Public First, a consultancy specialising in public policy, public opinion and campaign strategy.
• Stephen Bush, Associate Editor and Columnist at the Financial Times.

Show notes
The Health Foundation (2023). Health in 2040: projected patterns of illness in England.
The Health Foundation (2023). Public perceptions of health and social care: what are the priorities ahead of a general election?
The Health Foundation (2023). What should be at the top of the political agenda for health and care?
The Health Foundation (2023). Health Foundation responds to the Prime Minister’s announcement of smoke-free measures.
The Health Foundation (2023). Social health insurance: be careful what you wish for.
Institute for Government (2023). The NHS productivity puzzle: why has hospital activity not increased in line with funding and staffing?
The Times. Tories as the party of change: that’s a hard sell (2023).
Ipsos. Ipsos issues tracker: July 2023 (2023).