Voices of Care

CQC, GMC and NHS Race & Health Observatory leaders deliver stark assessment on workforce inequalities and share vision that now is the time to end this unacceptable reality to support the people of the NHS, productivity and ultimately patients. Three of healthcare's nationally known and respected leaders have joined forces to call out the unacceptable levels of racism still faced by the NHS workforce a decade after the Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) came into force, highlighting the need for everyone in the sector to take personal and collective responsibility to stamp out racism. They called for transformation in culture, fairer employment environments and a step change in the leadership approach to racism.

What if technology could fundamentally transform your relationship with the NHS? In this groundbreaking episode, host Suhail Mirza sits down with Ming Tang, Chief Digital and Information Officer at NHS England, to explore the ambitious vision behind the NHS 10 Year Health Plan's digital transformation. Discover: "What's really appealing to me is that we can use technology to transform not just how we deliver services, but the relationship between the public and the NHS," reveals Tang. From patient empowerment to workforce transformation, this episode unpacks how cutting-edge technology promises to make healthcare more personalised, accessible, and efficient for everyone.

Suhail Mirza sits down with Nadra Ahmed CBE, the woman who shook Westminster. After 40 years leading social care, the Chair of the National Care Association reveals the explosive moment 250 frustrated providers decided to march on Parliament, why she's demanding funding not reform, and her stark warning that the social care crisis is spiraling out of control. "We had about 250 people on a call saying, we've got to do something. Let's go march on Parliament," Ahmed reveals in this no-holds-barred account of how the sector reached breaking point and said "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH."

When Healthcare Policy Meets Reality: An Insider's Uncensored View What happens when someone who's advised TWO administrations finally speaks without political filter? Join host M. Suhail Mirza for a no-holds-barred conversation with Bill Morgan, former health advisor whose insights span multiple governments and reveal the uncomfortable truths behind healthcare headlines.

In this compelling episode of Voices of Care, our host Suhail Mirza, sits down with James Benson, CEO of Central London Community Healthcare Trust and NHS England National Delivery Advisor for virtual wards, for an eye-opening conversation about the community care revolution happening right now.

With the Social Care Commission promising answers and funding challenges intensifying, this Voices Of Care episode couldn't be more relevant. Host, Suhail Mirza sits down with Valerie Michie who highlights the imperative to celebrate social care, its workforce and its contribution to the economy and society; and how this narrative can spur policy and political leaders to engage and support the sector even as it faces profound pressure

In this compelling episode of the Voices of Care podcast, host Suhail Mirza sits down with Stephen Burns, Executive Director of Care, Inclusion and Communities at Peabody Trust, for an urgent conversation about the future of social housing and care. Stephen delivers a stark warning about the mounting pressures facing housing associations that are threatening their ability to build desperately needed social housing, support residents' care needs, and help ease NHS capacity issues. After what he describes as "difficult 15 years" that have left specialist services "cut to the bone," Stephen makes a direct appeal to the government for immediate action.

In this inspiring episode of Voices of Care, we speak with Professor Kevin Fenton CBE, President of the UK Faculty of Public Health, London’s Public Health Director and Statutory Health Advisor to the Mayor of London, about the transformative power of public health as both an art and a science. With decades of experience, Kevin provides crucial insights into how organised societal efforts can tackle health inequalities and create fairer communities for all. He discusses structural racism as a public health issue, shares London's remarkable success stories in HIV prevention and tobacco control and explores the exciting opportunities ahead with increased government investment in prevention over treatment.

In this compelling episode of Voices of Care, host Suhail Mirza speaks with Andrew Bland, Chief Executive of NHS South East London Integrated Care Board. As NHS satisfaction hits its lowest level since records began in 1983, Bland presents his vision for a Neighbourhood Health Service to transform London's healthcare landscape. Addressing the "perfect storm" of economic inactivity and health inequalities facing Londoners, he outlines a bold community-based approach that could rebuild trust and deliver better outcomes. With 20% of adult Londoners economically inactive and primary care in crisis, Bland shares insights from his 25 years in healthcare and explains how locally relevant, responsive services could address the capital's unique challenges while supporting Wes Streeting's "left shift" in NHS priorities.

In this eye-opening interview, social care entrepreneur Dr. Robert Kilgour delivers a brutally honest assessment of the UK's social care crisis. Alongside host Suhail Mirza, Dr. Kilgour examines alleged double standards in commissioning and the lack of business experience on the Government frontbench, while proposing his innovative "specialist regional model" for the care home sector. This industry legend reveals the dire challenges threatening social care - from unsustainable funding models to the looming wave of care home closures that could devastate communities across Britain.

In this revealing episode of Voices of Care, Sam Monaghan, CEO of MHA (Methodist Homes) shares powerful insights on the distinctive role of spiritual care in supporting older adults, the creative possibilities within a challenging charity landscape, and his urgent vision for social care reform. He also addresses the stark funding reality facing social care organisations and presents his blueprint for meaningful reform that would properly recognise carers' skills and dedication. A must-watch for anyone interested in the future of care in Britain and the vital role of charitable organisations in supporting our ageing population.

In this episode of the Voices of Care podcast, former Deputy Prime Minister and Social Care Foundation Chair Damian Green discusses pressing issues facing social care. Drawing from personal experience and policy expertise, Green addresses funding challenges, workforce recruitment, generational fairness, and the need to focus on prevention rather than the cure. With candid analysis of political failures and practical solutions, Green makes a compelling case for an urgent need for reform

In this engaging episode of the Voices of Care podcast, Priory Group CEO Rebekah Cresswell explores the UK's mental health crisis, innovations in social care, and transforming services for those with autism and learning disabilities. Drawing from both NHS and private sector experience, she shares powerful patient stories, discusses workforce challenges, and explains how collaborative approaches can improve outcomes while reducing costs.

In this episode of #VoicesofCare, we're joined by Jenni Douglas-Todd, Chair of Dorset Integrated Care System, Jenni shares insights from leading Dorset's Integrated Care Board, addressing winter pressures, and tackling health inequalities. Alongside host Suhail Mirza, Jenni emphasises the importance of prevention, community engagement, and technological innovation while championing equality and diversity in the NHS.

We welcome, Neil Carberry, CEO of the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC), back to Voices of Care. Neil joins host Suhail Mirza for a candid conversation about workforce challenges and practical solutions for the future of healthcare staffing. They explore misconceptions about agency costs, the importance of flexible working options for healthcare professionals, and why blanket restrictions on agency staffing could cost more than they save.

In this powerful episode of the #VoicesofCare podcast, host Suhail Mirza is joined by Sue Ryder CEO, James Sanderson. They explore the current crisis in end-of-life care, the £8 billion economic impact of grief, and Sue Ryder's bold vision for integrating hospice care into hospitals. Their in-depth discussion covers vital topics impacting healthcare in the UK, such as the need for better palliative care funding, the importance of advance planning for end-of-life wishes, and practical solutions to ensure no one faces death or grief alone.

We welcome Louise Stead, Chief Executive of Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, back to #VoicesofCare for another insightful episode. Louise offers a candid exploration of the healthcare landscape. She highlights critical challenges facing the NHS, including nursing workforce shortages, technological innovation, and the upcoming ten-year plan. Louise provides a nuanced perspective on leadership, cultural transformation, and the future of healthcare, drawing from her extensive experience as an NHS chief executive and offering valuable insights into the complex world of healthcare management.

In this insightful episode of the Voices of Care podcast, Professor Oonagh Smith (CEO of Skills for Care) and Sir David Pearson (Co-Chair, Skills for Care) tackle the critical challenges facing the social care workforce, unveiling a comprehensive strategy to address recruitment issues, skills development, and future needs. They discuss the urgent need to transform social care, emphasising the potential to provide meaningful, flexible careers that support an evolving population with increasingly complex care requirements.

In this Voices of Care podcast, GMC Chief Charlie Massey discusses the expanding roles of physician associates, concerns around medical workforce inequality and retention, and the importance of compassionate leadership in addressing these challenges. Massey outlines the GMC's regulatory priorities and the broader reforms underway as the NHS navigates workforce pressures and aims to deliver high-quality, equitable patient care.

On this episode of the Voices of Care podcast, Rima Makarem, Chair of Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, discusses transforming healthcare delivery, tackling health inequalities, improving mental health services through digital innovation, and creating new pathways for workforce development. With her unique background in life sciences and healthcare leadership, Rima offers valuable perspectives on the future of the NHS and social care integration.