
NHS England Podcast
At NHS England our aim is to support the NHS and help improve care for patients. Our podcast will be providing commentary and information about NHS health care services, policy and success stories.
Latest episodes

Sep 17, 2024 • 3min
COVID-19 vaccination audio invitation – increased risk
Audio version of the NHS invitation for a winter COVID-19 vaccination for people at increased risk of serious illness because of a health condition.
A transcript of this episode is available on our website - https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/covid-19-vaccination-audio-invitation-increased-risk/
Contact us: england.contactus@nhs.net

Jul 8, 2024 • 16min
How patient safety partners have helped to shape Patient safety healthcare inequalities reduction
The Patient safety healthcare inequalities programme has resulted in the generation of recommendations for improvement that were co-designed with clinicians, patient safety specialists, people with lived experience or expertise in inequalities, and our lay patient safety partners (PSPs). In particular, our two PSPs were part of this large multi-disciplinary group which met virtually each month.
Here the PSPs describe their backgrounds and reasons for helping the national patient safety team and outline how they have contributed to the plan for reducing patient safety healthcare inequalities. They describe how they were able to be a voice for people from ethnic backgrounds that are often not heard; to shape future NHS services making them more inclusive and safe; using ‘real time insight’, to help to close the gap in health inequalities and provide more equitable access to services. As part of the team they were able to challenge perceptions of barriers and bring solutions in how to overcome them.
They have also contributed by helping to develop the role of PSPs by being involved in discussions about how to shape the role and how to ensure recruitment is effective in attracting people from diverse groups.

Jun 17, 2024 • 11min
Life planning in the South West
Colleagues in Cornwall discuss the benefits of life planning for individuals with learning disabilities and autism. They explore empowering individuals through personalized planning methods, the impact of live planning events on cultural change and family relationships, and a case study showing positive outcomes through effective communication and collaboration.

Jun 17, 2024 • 14min
Amy’s story: Amy talks about how she has directly benefited from a life plan
A short podcast where Amy talks about her personal experience of life planning and how it supported her to move out of a mental health hospital.
A transcript of this episode is available on our website - https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/amys-story/
Contact us: england.learning.disability@nhs.net

Jun 11, 2024 • 32min
How patient safety partners have helped to shape the National Medical Examiner System
National Medical Examiner System - https://tinyurl.com/2z6e8en2
Medical examiners are senior doctors who provide independent scrutiny of the causes of death and are supported by medical examiner officers. They provide that independent scrutiny in three ways. They carry out a proportionate review of the medical records. They offer bereaved people an opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns. They also talk to the doctor who is completing the medical certificate of cause of death. If medical examiners detect a concern, they pass it on to established clinical governance processes that are in place at the relevant provider to be looked at in more detail.
Two patient safety partners were a key part of our implementation group. As lay representatives, patient safety partners bring a different perspective in terms of patient safety that's been very valuable and ensures that bereaved people are central to the work. They also shared close family experiences with the group and championed an approach that ensured that the key material is available in 12 languages.
Here one of our PSPs describe their experience of working with us and what they would recommend to others to enable real partnership in co-designing healthcare.
For more information regarding this topic, please email us patientsafety.enquiries@nhs.net

Jun 4, 2024 • 27min
What is PIER and how can it improve the management of physical deterioration?
A conversation about why acute physical deterioration needs addressing and how the acronym PIER (Prevention, Identification, Escalation and Response) can help do this across system pathways. Featuring Dr Aidan Fowler, National Director of Patient Safety in England and Laura Hailes, Nurse and Senior Improvement Manager at NHS England in the National Patient Safety Team.
PIER is referenced on this page - https://www.england.nhs.uk/patient-safety/marthas-rule/
A transcript of this episode is available on our website - https://www.england.nhs.uk/patient-safety/managing-acute-physical-deterioration-through-the-prevention-identification-escalation-response-pier-approach/

May 23, 2024 • 2min
Getting your MMR vaccination – audio invitation
Your GP record suggests you may not have had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine. You need both doses for long-term protection against measles, mumps and rubella.
It's now quicker and easier for you to catch up. You can book an appointment with your GP surgery, or you may be able to get your free MMR vaccine at some community pharmacies in certain areas. You can check if pharmacies are offering MMR vaccine walk-ins in your local area using the links at the top of this web page.
You do not need to do anything if you’ve already had 2 doses. Please check your vaccination history in the NHS App, or you can contact your GP surgery if you’re not sure.
The NHS offers MMR vaccination because these infections spread easily between people. They can lead to serious problems including meningitis, blindness, hearing loss and risks during pregnancy. It’s important you get fully vaccinated because measles cases are increasing in England. MMR vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself. It also helps protect people who cannot be vaccinated, such as unborn babies, newborn babies and anyone with a weakened immune system.
Find out more about MMR vaccination at www.nhs.uk/mmr. Information is also available in easy read and other languages and formats on this web page.

Apr 23, 2024 • 25min
Applying PSIRF in general practice
The Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF) is a new approach to learning from patient safety events in a way that leads to improvement in care. It was published in August 2022 and mandated in the NHS Standard Contract in April 2024.
In this podcast, Tracey Herlihey from NHS England’s national patient safety team talks with Jenny Coverley from Middlewood Practice in Cheshire about her experience applying PSIRF principles in general practice.
If you would like to get in touch about the content of this podcast, please contact us on patientsafety.enquiries@nhs.net.
Find out more about PSIRF on the NHS England website https://www.england.nhs.uk/patient-safety/patient-safety-insight/incident-response-framework/

Feb 14, 2024 • 22min
Working in partnership with people and communities to improve support for diabetes in Nottingham
This podcast discusses innovative ways GP surgeries in Nottingham are improving support for Type 2 Diabetes patients. Topics include patient engagement strategies, building trust, understanding patient views, and navigating the complexities of community involvement in healthcare.

Jan 22, 2024 • 32min
Working in partnership with people and communities to support stroke patients in West Yorkshire
This podcast discusses innovative co-production strategies in supporting stroke patients in West Yorkshire. It explores collaboration between various stakeholders, community engagement in healthcare, and the importance of empowering individuals. The podcast emphasizes shared knowledge, inclusivity, and starting small to create impactful healthcare initiatives.
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