BAFTA-winning actress Miriam Margolyes joins Dr Oscar Duke for the first appointment of the Bedside Manners podcast. Describing a childhood growing up as the daughter of a GP, Miriam shares how passing wind and earwax were common dinner-time topics. But as someone who has reached a considerable level of fame and following in later life, staying fit and healthy has taken on a new meaning—as she describes enduring knee replacement surgery and the TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) procedure on her heart. She also shares thoughts on the importance of maintaining social connections as you get older and "forcing your mouth to go up at the sides". Plus, Oscar reveals a potential diagnosis relating to the gastric effect of onions.

Professor Michael Fertleman from HCA Healthcare UK (a specialist in geriatric medicine and orthopaedic rehabilitation) also joins Oscar to discuss the intricacies of elderly care, the risks and benefits of surgeries for older adults, and the future of care enhanced by technology.

This episode is sponsored by HCA Healthcare UK.

The first episode of this brand new series with Dr Oscar Duke drops on Tuesday 20th May – follow and subscribe now!