The RCHT Podcast

In this episode, we’re talking about career progression and the barriers that can sometimes stand in the way. Niya Bhoi, Deputy Ward Sister on Kerensa Ward, joins us to discuss the Career Progression Project, her own experiences, and how it’s helping colleagues from our global majority workforce explore opportunities, build confidence and take the next steps in their careers.

How much of cyber security is really about technology, and how much is about human behaviour? For Cyber Security Awareness Month, Martin Price joins us to explore how cyber criminals use trust and manipulation to their advantage, why AI is making some scams harder to spot, and why simple actions such as questioning an unexpected email or challenging someone for ID can make a difference. We also di...

Flu is often dismissed as just a bad cold, but how serious can it actually be? Iain Davidson, Chief Pharmacist at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, talks to Pete and Charlie about flu, why some people remain unsure about getting vaccinated, common concerns about the flu jab, and why the decision to get vaccinated isn't necessarily just about protecting yourself.

When people think about healthcare, they often think of doctors and nurses. But many of the services patients rely on every day are delivered by Allied Health Professionals (AHPs).In this episode, Peter and Charlie are joined by Ian Longbottom, Dual Associate Director of Allied Health Professionals, and Michelle Langford, Head of Diagnostic Imaging Services, to explore the vital role AHPs play acr...

Most of us don't think much about our feet until something goes wrong. But being able to walk comfortably can make all the difference to our independence, confidence and quality of life. In this episode, Neil Smith, Professional Lead for Podiatry at Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, shares how a personal family experience inspired him to become a podiatrist, explains the surprising br...

In this episode, Chair of Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, David Allen, and Acting Chief Executive, Kim O'Keeffe talk about the commitment to end corridor care, how organisations across Cornwall are working together to provide more joined-up care, major developments including eCare and the future Women's and Children's Hospital, and why the NHS Staff Survey plays an important role i...

You've probably seen them around the hospital in their distinctive pink uniforms. Known to many as the Pink Ladies, Amanda and Yvonne from the Stop Smoking Service spend their days supporting patients who want to stop smoking. In this episode of the RCHT Podcast, they join Pete and Charlie to talk about the Smokefree South West campaign, the support available to patients, and why every quit at...

As the summer holidays approach and events and festivals bring thousands of people together across Cornwall, how can we help young people stay safe around drugs and alcohol? In this episode of the RCHT Podcast, host Peter Young is joined by Chantelle Hellier, Safeguarding Practitioner for Children at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, and Jodie Lynes, YZUP Team Leader at WithYou Cornwall. Togethe...

RCHT Chair, David Allen and Acting Chief Executive, Kim O'Keeffe join Peter Young to discuss the pressures facing urgent and emergency care, improving patient flow, strengthening partnerships across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and why there is growing optimism about the future. They also talk about staff culture, health inequalities, the new Women and Children's Hospital, and other p...

What is it like to perform surgery using a robot? In this special episode, we go behind the scenes of Cornwall's first robot-assisted operation, hear from the surgeon who led the procedure, Professor James Clark, and discover how this groundbreaking technology will transform care for patients across the county.

AI tools like Copilot and ChatGPT are becoming increasingly common in the workplace, but how can NHS staff use them safely? In this episode of the RCHT Podcast, Peter speaks with Martin Price, Cyber Security Lead at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, about the opportunities and risks associated with AI. They discuss protecting patient and confidential information, common misconceptions about AI,...

In this episode we continue our celebration of Filipino Cultural Month and this year’s theme: Hiraya; a word that represents hope, dreams, and the courage to make them a reality. Andrea Alpuerto, a Renal Specialist Practitioner at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust is in the studio and shares her journey from the Philippines to Cornwall. Andrea reflects on what inspired her to become a nurse, the...

In this special episode, we’re celebrating Filipino Cultural Appreciation Month and exploring this year’s theme: Hiraya, a beautiful Filipino word that represents hope, imagination, and the courage to realise your dreams. Peter Young is joined by Paola Pilapil , a Clinical Practice Educator at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, who shares her inspiring journey from the Philippines to Cornwall. Pa...

In this episode of The RCHT Podcast, we’re taking a look back at our latest Board meeting with Chair David Allen and Acting Chief Executive Kim O’Keeffe. We discuss some of the key themes from the meeting, including what we’ve heard from staff through the latest survey and wider feedback, and how that is shaping our priorities over the coming months. Kim shares her reflections from her first Board...

This week, for Dementia Action Week, we’re exploring how a simple tool is helping staff deliver more personalised, compassionate care across Royal Cornwall Hospitals.“This Is Me” is a short document with a powerful impact, helping healthcare teams understand the person behind the patient, especially for those living with dementia. In this episode, we’re joined by Stephanie, Improvement Practitione...

The RCHT Radio show broadcast for the final time on the 31st March 2026 and in our final show we heard from our freedom to speak up guardians Jo Burton and David Kinnair in the studio to, firstly introduce David as he started the role earlier this month, and talk about the speaking up options available to our staff. Dom Whitting our lead for chaplaincy and voluntary services joins me in the studio...

Last week, Royal Cornwall Hospital celebrated the arrival of its new robotic surgical system. We speak to Professor James Clark who tells us us exactly what this system does, how it can make surgery less invasive, and how this £2 million investment will benefit the people of Cornwall. We also hear from Matthew Taylor from Taylor’s Tyres in Redruth who tells us why his company donated money to the...

Mike Horrocks joins Peter in the studio to talk about how Operation Cornwall is helping ensure the new Women and Children’s Hospital programme delivers benefits beyond the building itself, creating opportunities for local people, schools and businesses. He also explains why involving children and young people in the project is so important, helping shape a hospital environment that feels more welc...

This week it's nutrition and hydration week. Katrina Trevains and Lorna Rooney discuss why nutrition and hydration are such an important part of patient care, and how poor intake can have a real impact on recovery and wellbeing. They explain how hospital teams identify patients at risk of malnutrition or swallowing difficulties and support them to eat and drink safely.

Chair David Allen and Chief executive Steve Williamson join us to share the latest updates from our board meeting last week. We hear about the amazing work done by our trauma team following a serious accident and who will be taking over from Steve when he leaves in April. 

We went along to Discovery day on site at RCHT in the Knowledge Spa and spoke to some of the people there about the importance of the event and what it means for them. 

Pete and I went to West Cornwall Hospital with Carolyn from the communications team to meet the accessibility advisory group, who played a key role in making the new outpatients department more accessible for people with disabilities.  Also - our clinical director for surgery and robotics project lead, James Clark, met with Pete in theatres here at Royal Cornwall Hospital to talk about the new rob...

Our clinical director for surgery, James Clark, recently hosted a conference here at Royal Cornwall Hospital about moving services from hospital to community. We’ll hear from James and colleagues about the difference this move is going to make to how our patients are cared for. 

We have Fundraising manager Karen Murrish and Martin Searl in the studio with us to talk about why he’s raising money for our hospitals by taking part in pedal for patients for the second time.  Cancer research patient Jacqui Eastwood will be sharing her story about the care and treatment she’s received at Royal Cornwall Hospital as part of two cancer research trials. 

We have Maggie and Julie in the studio from the Newquay Thursday Club who have raised an incredible amount of money for our Heart of Headland therapy boxes. We’ll be chatting about how it all started, the fundraising efforts behind it, and the real difference it’s making for patients here at Royal Cornwall Hospital  Faith Toogood also joins us on the show to talk about the improvements being made...