The Kind Side

In this episode we hear from a first-year registrar working in the Illawarra Shoalhaven region about how medical education, workplace culture and everyday acts of kindness shape clinical practice. The conversation touches on patient-centered communication, the supportive culture among junior doctors, and the transition from student to registrar. The episode also highlights the Healing Hearts initi...

In this episode, Neha, a psychology student and volunteer with the Healing Hearts initiative at the University of Sydney, shares how volunteering shifted her focus from boosting her resume to finding meaningful, compassionate work that aligns with her values. She reflects on the CARE framework, the importance of emotional connection in clinical settings, and how Healing Hearts supports students an...

In this episode we speak with Jennifer Good, a community nurse from the Illawarra-Shorehaven Local Health District, about the Healing Hearts initiative: a grassroots, organic practice of giving handmade hearts to patients that fosters connection, recognition, and compassion. Jennifer shares personal stories from her six years in community nursing, the ripple effect of the program, and how small, s...

In this episode, Hannah Wrigley, a community palliative care nurse and Healing Hearts champion, describes how kindness, listening, and small, human gestures shape care for patients and families in the Shoalhaven. She explains how simple actions build trust, dignity, and connection during vulnerable times. Hannah shares practical examples—from making time for conversation to going beyond routine du...

In this episode, community nurse Emily McBride discusses her role as a Healing Hearts Champion, explaining how simple felt hearts act as tangible symbols of compassion in palliative care. She shares how the initiative supports rapport, trust, grief support and meaningful keepsakes for families, and how small acts of kindness can grow into lasting comfort for patients and their loved ones.

In this episode Adam, Director of Mental Health for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, discusses the launch of a new mental health unit at Shoalhaven Hospital and the Healing Hearts initiative. He highlights how compassion, staff wellbeing and cross-team collaboration create safer, more person-centred care, and shares practical approaches like co-design, peer support and community eve...

This episode features Diya, a volunteer data analyst with the Healing Hearts Initiative, who explains how she measures the program’s impact using surveys, dashboards and ripple mapping. She shares striking results—large gains in calmness and connectedness among nurses who needed it most—and reflects on the cultural shift of clinicians learning to receive care. The conversation highlights how simpl...

Community nurse Caitlyn shares how the Healing Hearts initiative brings compassion into practice: listening deeply, creating small moments of kindness, and supporting patients through clinical care and end‑of‑life journeys. The episode highlights the power of human connection, simple tangible gestures like the A Thousand Hearts, and how kindness builds community and empowers both carers and those...

In this episode of Healing Hearts, Dr. Syeda shares her experience moving from Pakistan to Australia and starting work in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven district. She reflects on how kindness, mentorship, and community support helped her settle, train, and grow as a doctor. The conversation highlights the role of compassion in patient care and professional development, and calls for greater awareness of...

In this episode, Surikha Nair—an academic in social work and former mental health clinician—discusses how kindness and human connection shape therapeutic practice and university teaching. She explains that connection is essential to effective care and shares examples from her work as an ED social worker, where conscious acts of outreach help staff and patients feel seen and supported. The conversa...

In this episode Dr Vijay, a third-year surgical registrar, reflects on his journey from medical student to surgeon and how kindness has shaped his practice across rural, regional and metropolitan settings. He discusses treating patients as whole people, adapting to close-knit community care, the importance of self-kindness and supportive teams, and how modelling compassion can improve staff morale...

In this episode Siva speaks with Patty Bate-Charlton, District Director of the Medical Workforce, about how kindness has guided her life and leadership in healthcare. She shares how simple, intentional acts—welcoming junior doctors during orientation, offering support through onboarding, and role‑modelling compassionate behavior—help build trust, strong teams, and improved patient care. This episo...

In this episode we speak with Dr David Alcorn, Chief Psychiatrist and medical leader in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven Local Health District, about the role of kindness, connection and mentorship in healthcare. Dr Alcorn reflects on changing medical culture, supporting junior doctors, preventing burnout, and building workplaces where people feel safe to speak up. His core message is one of hope — th...

In this episode Megan, who moved from an HR learning and development role into workforce support, explains how she helps onboard junior medical officers and why kindness and human connection are central to that work. She speaks about small daily gestures, team connection, and examples from a high-pressure recruitment period that show how compassion improves staff wellbeing and workplace culture. T...

Host Frances talks with Stu, Director of Nursing and Operations Manager at a rural coastal hospital, about the hospital’s growth, community-led services, and the challenges of seasonal demand. They discuss kindness in leadership—practical gestures like soup days, mentoring, and wellbeing programs (SEED) developed after bushfires—and reflect on acts of everyday compassion in healthcare. The episode...

This episode shares Stella’s personal family journey with community palliative care as they supported her father at home. It highlights the compassionate care, practical support, and dignity the team provided, and how those acts of kindness helped the whole family, including the children. Stella reflects on grief, gratitude, and creating community spaces for mourning, including her writing and loc...

In this episode Frances chats with Caitlyn, a nurse who moved from ICU to community and palliative care. Caitlyn shares her path into nursing, the variety of work in a community health centre, and the skills she brought from inpatient care. They discuss teamwork, visiting patients at home, non-judgmental care, reframing language around patient choices, and practical self-care tips like donating pl...

In this episode of The Kind Side, host Frances sits down with Anna, a dedicated cleaner working in the children's ward of a large hospital. Transitioning from 15 years in retail to hospital cleaning, Anna shares how her new role brings her joy and fulfillment, making her feel valued and appreciated. She talks about her daily routine, the heartwarming interactions with children, families, and staff...

Welcome to another episode of The Kind Side, hosted by Frances, where she sits down with Sarah, a seasoned hospital chaplain. Despite a technical hiccup that led to the loss of their first recording, Sarah graciously returns to share her experiences and wisdom. In this heartfelt conversation, Sarah discusses her unexpected journey into hospital chaplaincy, the significance of active listening, and...

Join Frances in this heartfelt episode of "The Kind Side" as she engages in a poignant conversation with patient Daryl and his wife Lia, reflecting on their journey through cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Daryl shares his personal experience with neck cancer, highlighting the critical role of professional care and the unwavering support from Lia and their family and friends. Delve into t...

Join us as we listen to Margaret narrate her powerful and moving poem that provides insight into the experience of mental illness and hospitalisation. In this poem, Margaret draws on her personal experiences, revealing the resilience and strength found in moments of vulnerability. Through this poem, we gain empathy and a deeper understanding of the patients' journey and the compassionate care they...

Lefta shares her moving story of love and loss with her husband Frank, and the path to healing, including their experiences with the Australian healthcare system and the importance of community support. Biljana, a multicultural health officer, emphasizes the critical role of cancer screening and education within the Macedonian community. This uplifting dialogue highlights the power of volunteering...

In this heartfelt episode, we delve into Mel's inspiring journey of resilience and advocacy following a shocking cancer diagnosis. With a Turkish background and a strong Islamic faith, Mel shares the importance of having spaces within healthcare facilities that allow Muslims to practice their religion and pray five times a day, highlighting its significance not only for patients but also for staff...

Join us for an insightful episode as we delve into the daily workings of surgical day centres and operating theatres, exploring how multidisciplinary teams provide care that is not only safe but also compassionate. Listen to Nicole, a clinical nurse specialist with over 23 years of experience, share her role in the operating theatre, how she mentors and educates staff, and the intricate planning r...

Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Adam, a dedicated nurse working in an emergency department at a large regional hospital. Listen as Adam shares his journey into nursing, exploring the reasons behind his passion for the profession and the crucial role of communication and teamwork in providing care. Discover the unique challenges and the rewarding experiences of working in critical care, a...