The RCHT Podcast

(0:59) Beatrice Dyer, the chair of the Friends of Royal Cornwall Hospital and Daffeny Skinnard, President of the Friends, join Royal Cornwall Hospital’s chair David Allen as they mark 80 years of the Friends support to Royal Cornwall Hospital.  (3:30) Next, Carolyn joins the project managers overseeing the Northern Access Road Project to review the progress made so far, discuss any challenges they...

(1:15) Health and care providers across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are launching a focused two-week effort to improve patient flow. Our therapy teams are leading the way—making the most of their skills and empowering colleagues to keep patients active during their stay. Improvement Lead Rick Strang caught up with Michelle Hague and Izzy Reed to learn more.  (10:02) In the Health and Wellbein...

(0:56) With the Easter holidays fast approaching we’re looking to have a perfect fortnight here at Royal Cornwall Hospital. Robin Jones, our chief operating officer, and Rick Strang our improvement lead are both in the studio to tell us more about it. (8:04) We’re saying goodbye to another one of our colleagues this week – after 30 years at Royal Cornwall Hospital, we’ll be hearing from Geoff Sand...

In this week's episode we say goodbye to our friend and colleague Mark Richards (Lead for Chaplaincy and Voluntary Services). We hear from Rachel Cowley about what it's like to fast during Ramadan. And we join our Chair and Chief Executive as they talk about the changes coming to the NHS over the next year and what this means for Royal Cornwall Hospitals.

(0:49) Andria Dawson join’s Pete to talk about the work of one of the hidden teams in our hospital – the Overseas visitors team.  (6:30) Our Chief Operating Officer, Robin Jones, joins Lynne Lees from the charity to catch up on the great work that the charity team have been doing and some of their plans for the year ahead. (13:03) Paul Foord, a nurse from our eye unit, is undertaking a walk to rai...

In this special bonus episode of The RCHT Podcast, we shine a spotlight on Delirium, a crucial topic affecting patients of all ages in hospitals everywhere.  Joining us are Dr. Jay Reynolds, Consultant in Care of the Elderly, and Stephanie Wellstead, Improvement Practitioner for Falls, Dementia, and Delirium, who share their expertise on recognising, managing, and preventing delirium. We explore t...

In the Second of our International Women's Day specials we hear from Alexis Carlyon, Program Manager for the New Women and Children's Hospital, about her journey into healthcare planning and her experiences as a woman in the construction industry. (22:21) Nycki Gray-Cooper shares this week’s Ally Tip, exploring why feminism isn’t “completed” and how we can all do better in supporting gender equali...

It's an all women podcast this week to promote International Women's Day on Saturday 8 March!   (0:27) Amanda talks to Rose Gibson about venous thromboembolism (VTE), including what is it, how we prevent it and who is at risk. (7:54) Kim O'Keeffe tells us about her career to becoming Dual Chief Nursing Officer and some of the powerful female role models she looked up to along the way. (19:58) Jo B...

(1:02)  Joining us first is David Allen, Chair of the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust. We'll be getting to know him better, hearing how he's settling into the role, and discussing his hopes and aspirations for the hospital's future. (12:37)  Last week, Charlie went and spoke to the team at NBC Environment, who are in charge of managing the seagull population here at the hospital through falconr...

(1:08) Pete speaks with Professor James Clark, the first-ever Professorship recipient at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, about the role's impact on research, education, and his current projects. (11:34) Kate Teagle, work experience coordinator, joins us to discuss clinical and non-clinical opportunities at RCHT. Former participant Abbie shares her experience and insights gained. (19:47) Variou...

(0:58) It's Apprenticeship Week! Nikki Pryke joins us to discuss plans for the event, the various apprenticeship levels, their equivalent qualifications, and the opportunities available at RCHT.  (10:24) Carolyn and I spoke with Kate and Chloe about the recent Careers event called Discovery Day that happened over in the Knowledge Spa.   (15:16) With Valentines Day around the corner, Cyber security...

(1:16) Rick Strang is back and this week he’s talking to the ambulance service team about their role in the community and how they’re helping with patient flow at our hospitals.  (21:52) Lucy Tuson, director of engagement and communication at the Cornwall NHS integrated care board will be with us to talk about these winter wellbeing community events happening across Cornwall.   (30:12) Another Luc...

(0:57) Roberta Fuller joins Pete and Katie in the studio with the latest news on our new hospitals project.  (21:27 ) I met up with Bianca Mills in our new mobile research unit to find out exactly what it is and the benefits it’ll have for our community and research projects.    (24:50) And a couple of weeks ago Emma Hart and I went along to the opening of our new elective surgical hub in St Auste...

(1:00) Steve Williamson, our chief executive has exciting news to share about our women and children’s hospital project.  (2:28) Rick Strang chats with Emma Wise, Deputy Head of Nursing, and Dr Toby Slade, Emergency Department Consultant, about the challenges and triumphs in emergency care.  (17:08) Pete and I visited the Echo Post launch at RCHT, a solar-powered speaker that guides users through...

(0:50) Consultant Biomedical Scientist, Leonie Wheeldon will be joining us in the studio to talk about the team’s Groundbreaking Study that Aims to Reduce Unnecessary Thyroid Surgeries  (18:18) Rick Strang will be speaking with our Chief Executive, Steve Williamson about how we’re handing the winter pressures on our hospital.  (29:46) There’s a project running in the sunrise centre here at Royal C...

Transforming Care with Virtual Wards (0:53) Rick Strang and Julie McKinnon discuss how virtual wards are transforming patient care by offering "hospital at home" solutions. Nycki's AllyTip (12:46) Nycki Gray-Cooper highlights workplace sexism and shares actionable advice for allyship. Enhancing Patient Flow at St Michael’s Hospital (14:56) Steve Williamson showcases how St Michael’s teams are redu...

In this special holiday episode , Pete sits down with Chairwoman Mairi Mclean and Chief Executive Steve Williamson for a heartfelt reflection on the past year. From organisational milestones to memorable challenges and achievements, we explore what made this year unique and impactful. Tune in for insights, stories, and a look at what’s ahead as we close out the year and embrace the holiday spirit....

(1:28) Rick Strang and Dr. Ian Sturgess dive into preventing hospital-acquired functional decline, offering tips on keeping patients mobile, hydrated, and healthy during their stay, plus ways to combat norovirus. (8:27) Charlie visits the newly reopened Newlyn 14 Theatre, speaking with project manager Richard, Team Lead Gemima, and assistant project manager Emma about the theatre’s refit and new i...

(0:58) A Fresh Start at The Royal The Royal Cornwall Hospital’s restaurant is back in action! Pete sits down with Helen Tyler, Senior Facilities Manager, to uncover the exciting changes in the space. (5:14) Nycki’s Ally Tip: Supporting Hidden Disabilities This week, Nycki shares practical advice on making reasonable adjustments for individuals with hidden disabilities. Tune in for thoughtful insig...

(1:17) Celebrating 1 Year of Heart of Headland: Karen Murrish shares the impact of the charity’s gift boxes for staff and patients at RCHT, with testimonials from recipients. (11:04) Improving Emergency Care: CEO Steve Williamson and Rick Strang discuss initiatives to enhance patient flow, streamline discharges, and boost staff well-being. (20:15) Nycki's Ally Tip: "Treat others how you’d like to...

(1:23) Lynne Lees and Tom Stiles discussing Pedal4Patients and the impact it has on our patients. (13:51)  Chris Francis is in the studio highlighting the importance of the staff survey. (28:55) Nycki offers a heartfelt allytip, “You don’t look sick,” about living with a hidden medical condition. (30:49) Roz Davis shares news of a festive Christmas giveaway.  (35:48) Zoe Greatrex reflects on Quali...

(1:13)  Robin Jones, our chief operating officer at Royal Cornwall Hospital talks about our new initiative to help get patients home when they’re medically fit to leave.  (17:29) Nycki’s allytip this week will be coming from Rachel Cowley our associate director of equality, diversity, and inclusion who will be explain more about how to be a better ally.  (19:02) Chairwoman, Mairi Mclean, met up wi...

1:15 - We hear from patient Frankie about her experience with the Godrevy project and what the project meant to her during her cancer treatment. 7:07 - Olly the octopus is a new child friendly and sustainable IV pole. Hannah meets with Florence, who’s Olly’s designer, to talk about how they’re using recyclable materials from the hospital to create this innovative new product. 16.04 - Glyn Belt tel...

(1:27) We also have Consultant Endocrinologist, Duncan Brown and Deputy director of infection, prevention and control; Jo Taylor in the studio to talk about the Norovirus 301 Vaccine Trial that is starting at RCHT. They explain what the Norovirus is, and tell us more about the Noro 301 Study that is happening across the world.  (9:15) We are also starting a brand new segment on our show this week,...

(1:15) Lucy Tuson and I visited West Cornwall Hospital last week to meet with Peggy Sloan, a Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS trust staff nurse, who is retiring after an NHS career spanning more than 45 years! Lucy asks Peggy questions regarding her time in the NHS and what some of her favourite and most rewarding moments were. (10:37) As part of our Cost improvement plan here at RCHT, Pete and I met...