As the third-largest clinical workforce within the health and care, allied health professions (AHPs) play a pivotal role in supporting the NHS Long Term Plan. AHPs day is an annual occasion for AHPs in England and now internationally to unite and revel in their contribution.

To celebrate AHPs Day we have broadcast this special episode of The Handover recorded at NCH&C's very first Allied Health Professionals conference held earlier this year. The theme was 'Bringing AHPs together' and we talked to colleagues about what they felt they had learned from the day, and what they feel they could take from getting together and understanding more about the diverse AHP roles across the Trust. 

In this episode of the podcast, released in recognition of Armed Forces Day, Group Chief Information Officer Sarah Buchan sits down with Dom, Sharon, and Thomas - members of staff networks from NCH&C and CCS. Together, they discuss the launch of the new Armed Forces Aware network and the vital role staff networks play in fostering inclusion, building community, and supporting colleagues with shared experiences.

Later in the episode, Vicky speaks with Dr. Caroline Kavanagh, Group Medical Director, during the opening of the Willow Therapy Unit. Dr. Kavanagh reflects on her first year in the role, sharing insights into her journey and vision for the future.

Finally, we spotlight innovation in community physiotherapy. Tom Bamford is joined by Kevin Trueman, MSK Business Manager, to explore MSK Community Assessment Days - a new approach that has helped over 600 patients across Norfolk and Waveney in the past year. Tune in to hear how the initiative has evolved and what’s been learned so far.

This time on the Handover: 

• We caught up with Helen and Katy whose lives were turned upside down when Katy contracted flu last year. This winter the UK saw a significant increase in flu cases across, with the number of people in hospital in England with flu four times higher than at this point last year. At the same time, uptake of the flu vaccine nationally has been lower than in previous years. Laura talked to Helen and Katy about why getting vaccinated is so important, even if you think you are fit and healthy.

• Tom meets Anita Pisani, currently Deputy CEO and Director of Workforce at Cambridgeshire Community Services, and from 1 April 2025 Group Deputy CEO and Chief People Officer for our new group.

In this special audio interview, Tom meets Anita Pisani, currently Deputy CEO and Director of Workforce at Cambridgeshire Community Services, and from 1 April 2025 Group Deputy CEO and Chief People Officer for our new group.

In this special short episode of The Handover we’re handing over a few quick updates to see you through to the New Year. You can find out more about all the stories featured in this episode here. 

This time on the Handover: 

• We say thanks to our Urgent Community Response team for their participation in a national TV news story. Watch the Channel 5 news piece here: Our Urgent Community Response team is keeping patients safe at home over the festive season - YouTube.

You can find out more about the roles available in this team here.

• Fine artist Carl Rowe talks about his installation at the Willow Therapy Unit
• Carols at Norwich Community Hospital and a Christmas message from our Chief Exec, Matthew Winn

In this episode, host Lydia, our Communications and Marketing Assistant, takes us through key campaigns and projects from October and November. 

• We join Nick and Chioma during Freedom to Speak Up Month as they discuss the importance of NHS staff having a voice that counts, and share how they celebrate and support staff across the organisation.
• Rowena and Philip from our Wheelchair Assessment Service team, and Kimberley from the Service Improvement Team, provide updates about the service improvement project.
• In honour of Community Health and Care Day, colleagues share why they love working in community health and care, highlighting the dedication and passion behind the work they do every day.

Colleagues Ash from CCS, and Sam from NCH&C, talk to our Chief Exec, Matthew Winn, about any further questions they have following the recent announcement that CCS and NCH&C will be creating an NHS Group together.

In this episode we catch up on the key projects at NCH&C:

• Project Manager, Jayne Rose, takes us on a tour of the Willow Therapy Unit as the state-of-the-art centre nears completion
• CEO Matthew Winn is interviewed by colleagues Sam Hobdell from NCH&C, and Ash Sumbhoolaul from Cambridgeshire Community Trust (CCS) about our two trusts forming a group
• Kate Pontin, Operational Director of Transformation and Delivery, updates us about the progress made so far on the Better for All community nursing and therapy design programme
• We join Community Physio, Katy Turner, on her patient visits in Norwich to find out more about the importance of treating people in their homes

A tour of Birch Unit, North Walsham's legacy, and NHS uniform conversations 
In this episode, we catch up with the following colleagues: 

• Carolyn Fowler, Director of Nursing and Quality, and Rob Mack, Director of Community Health and Social Care Operations, have a tour of the Birch Unit with Unit Lead, Luciano Pitasi.
• Melissa Taylor, Communications & Marketing Manager, pays a special visit to North Walsham War Memorial Hospital in celebration of the site's centenary. 
• Colleagues share their opinions on the new national NHS uniform at the first uniform drop in session in Norwich. 

Dedicated to keeping conversations flowing at NCH&C, we’re excited to unveil the all new trust podcast: The Handover.

The Handover is all about having conversations with staff. We want it to be two way in that staff are handing over information to us, and we can do the same to staff via an easily accessible platform. Our last podcast was incredibly popular with colleagues and we hope the new format of The Handover will be as useful and engaging.

The 25-minute podcast episodes aim to be useful and interesting. Something staff like to listen to and take something from. 

If you have ideas about what we should cover in The Handover, or you’d like us to come out and interview your team about your work, get in touch.

In the first episode of The Handover, we feature:

• An insightful visit to Norwich Community Hospital, North Walsham, Kelling, and NNUH to discover what it’s really like working in admin within the NHS, exploring both the rewarding and challenging aspects of the job.
• Carolyn Fowler, Director of Nursing and Quality, and Rob Mack, Director of Community Health and Social Care Operations, sharing important updates for our frontline colleagues.
• A special trip to Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse with Melissa Taylor, Communications and Marketing Manager, and Laura McCarthy, Digital Communications Officer, accompanied by NCH&C nurses, to experience the new exhibition “Making the Rounds – Stories of Workhouse Nurses Told in Textiles” in celebration of International Nurses’ Day.

Tune in for these stories and more as we dive into the heart of our community and the people who make it all happen. Don’t miss it!