86: HealthTech Hour with Steve Roest - Episode 8686: HealthTech Hour with Steve Roest - Episode 86
UK Health Radio Podcast
Steve Roost and Dr Penny Dash talk through how different countries run healthcare, where the NHS excels and struggles, and how technology and data could reshape future care. They also touch on misinformation, patient expectations and the personal resilience needed to lead through change.
52:46•6 Oct 2026
Global Health Systems, NHS Data and Tech: Dr Penny Dash on HealthTech Hour
Episode Overview
- Different countries offer useful but imperfect models; the NHS can borrow specific ideas while recognising its own strengths in value for money and evaluation.
- India’s tech‑driven, standardised approaches show how technology can cut unit costs and widen access if data and processes are designed well from the start.
- Massive variation in care across hospitals and clinicians remains a major issue, even with guidelines and audit programmes in place.
- Poorly structured electronic records and fragmented systems limit the benefits of digital health; a safer, unified patient record and better data could reduce unnecessary tests and health anxiety.
- On a personal level, stepping back, resting, moving the body and talking things through can help people cope with difficult periods and keep perspective.
“I think India is probably going to become the global exemplar in health care provision.”
Ever wondered how a massive public health system tries to keep up with modern tech? HealthTech Hour brings that question to life as Steve Roost sits down with Dr Penny Dash, Chair of NHS England, for a wide‑ranging chat about healthcare systems, technology and why optimism still matters after 45 years in medicine.
This conversation is aimed at anyone curious about how health services actually work behind the scenes – from clinicians and health tech founders to policy nerds and everyday patients trying to make sense of it all.
The tone stays informal and funny in places, but the content is serious: as Penny puts it, "I think India is probably going to become the global exemplar in health care provision," thanks to its love of tech and focus on cutting unit costs while widening access.
You’ll hear a tour of global systems: New Zealand’s early move into electronic health records, Australia’s mixed insurance model, Singapore’s community‑based care, Germany’s flexible tariffs and strict auditing, and the Nordic focus on prevention and social cohesion. Penny keeps coming back to one theme: the NHS is strong in many areas, but variation in care and slow adoption of good ideas still bite hard. Data is another big thread.
There’s sharp criticism of electronic records that are “just a place that people put pdfs” instead of usable, searchable data. Penny argues passionately for a single, safe patient record and richer datasets to reduce unnecessary tests, ease health anxiety and genuinely personalise care. The episode finishes on something very human: how leaders cope when things get tough.
For Penny, it’s walks, swims, hot baths, a good night’s sleep and honest conversations – plus helping younger people build the resilience to see that "this too shall pass". It might leave you asking: what kind of health system do you want to see 20 years from now, and how should tech fit into it?
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