Plus: act of hubris or just plain posturing? We discuss the health and social care secretary’s suggestion that the new NHS bill would give him the power to veto senior NHS board appointments. This story was not as it first seemed, as we discuss.

We also touch on the swinging pendulum of power between the Department of Health and Social Care and the NHS and why the Chorley reconfiguration row is a red herring.

Also under discussion: the “lumpy” vaccine supply and Dominic Cummings turning on the DHSC.

Featuring Sharon Brennan, Annabelle Collins, Alastair McLellan and Dave West.

You can listen to HSJ Health Check on this page, or subscribe on SpotifyApple Podcasts, and all the other popular podcast platforms.

Send feedback to annabelle.collins@wilmingtonhealthcare.com