Justin Ash

Chief Executive Officer, Spire Healthcare

Search every verified Justin Ash interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. In a February 2023 podcast episode, Justin Ash, CEO of Spire Healthcare, discussed the independent sector's role in the UK healthcare system. He described the COVID-19 period as "a defining period for the independent sector" due to its provision of NHS services. Ash stated that he hopes the independent sector will become "both larger and more integrated, more recognised" and that this will contribute to "a better health system." He argued that the independent sector should be seen as "an integral part of the Healthcare System" rather than a separate entity, and that "creating artificial barriers helps nobody particularly the patients." Ash also addressed workforce challenges, stating that "there is evidentially a workforce crisis in the UK" and globally. He expressed concern about nurses and doctors turning to agency work, saying it is "a shame" and that providers should offer a "home" in their hospitals with sufficient reward and flexibility. Ash highlighted Spire's apprenticeship program, noting that healthcare assistants "are transforming our business with their wonderful enthusiastic contribution." He emphasized the importance of international recruitment and collaborative working between the NHS and independent sector, observing that "the workforce can actually interchange between the private" and public systems.