The Health Equity Podcast

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Tracey O'Neill speaks with Jacob Davies from the Centre for Health Economics and Medicines Evaluation (CHEME) at Bangor University about the role of the arts in improving health and wellbeing across Wales. They discuss the evidence behind arts and health initiatives, explore their impact on individuals, communities, and the NHS, and examine new research estimating the economic value of investment in the arts. The conversation also considers what these findings mean for future policy and decision-making, and why the arts should be recognised as an important contributor to public health and wellbeing.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, host Tracey O'Neill is joined by Jaci Huws and Joan Woods, Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) representatives at Bangor University, to explore the vital role that lived experience plays in designing and delivering meaningful health research. Together, they discuss what Public and Patient Involvement really means, why every voice matters, and how involving patients and the public can improve research outcomes. Jaci and Joan also share their experiences of supporting PPI within the AdaptQol project, highlighting the benefits and challenges of meaningful involvement, and discussing practical advice for anyone interested in becoming involved in research. Whether you're a researcher, healthcare professional, student, or someone with lived experience who wants to make a difference, this episode offers valuable insights into how collaboration with patients and the public is helping to shape the future of health research. Listen now to discover how your experiences could help improve research and make a real impact.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Health Equity Podcast, Tracey O'Neill is joined by PhD researcher Steffi Studt from Bangor University's School of Psychology and Sport Science to discuss concussion knowledge, attitudes, and reporting behaviours among female rugby union players. Steffi shares insights from her research, exploring why some players choose not to report concussion symptoms, the potential long-term consequences of concussion, and the influence of coaches, teammates, and rugby culture on reporting behaviours. The discussion also highlights practical steps that rugby organisations can take to improve player safety and support adherence to return-to-play guidelines.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Join host Tracey O’Neill on the Health Equity Podcast for an insightful conversation with Victoria Goodwin, the National Clinical Lead for NHS Wales, as they explore the increasing pressures on urgent and emergency care services. They discuss deteriorating waiting times, overcrowded emergency departments, and the challenges caused by so-called “frequent service users.” Victoria explains the social, health, and systemic factors behind repeat attendance, the effects of stigma and harmful labels, and why consistent definitions are vital. The episode also looks at staff pressures, training and resource gaps, and how a coordinated all-Wales approach could improve outcomes for both patients and healthcare professionals.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Health Equity Podcast, host Dr Carys Stringer speaks with Amber Griffiths, a speech and language therapist who recently completed primary research as part of the MSc in Prevention, Population Health and Leadership with the Academy for Health Equity and Bangor University.

Amber shares insights from her qualitative study exploring how allied health professional (AHP) leaders understand and demonstrate the value of their work in public health and prevention. Through semi-structured interviews with AHP team leaders, the research examined the barriers professionals face when trying to evidence the impact of preventative work and the challenges of translating policy ambitions into everyday clinical practice.

The conversation explores the diverse roles of allied health professionals across the NHS, from early intervention and rehabilitation to behaviour change and community-based care. 

Amber also discusses themes that emerged from the study, including time pressures in clinical environments, difficulties using fragmented data systems, and the impact of organisational culture and leadership on innovation. 

 The episode also offers practical reflections for NHS staff interested in research or service improvement.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

This episode of the Health Equity Podcast, hosted by Tracey O’Neill, features Dr Patricia Masterson Algar from Bangor University discussing young carers who support people living with dementia. It explores research on peer support funded by Health and Care Research Wales, showing how it helps reduce isolation and provides practical and emotional support. The conversation highlights the often unseen challenges young carers face, including impacts on education, social life, and future plans, while stressing the importance of digital support. It also emphasises better identification of hidden carers and the value of involving young people in designing support. Overall, the episode calls for greater awareness and more equitable access to support for young carers

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Health Equity Podcast, Tracey O’Neill speaks with Dr Ceryl Teleri Davies, social worker, academic and Research Wales Advanced Fellow at Bangor University.

Drawing on her doctoral research with young people in North Wales, Dr Davies explores how harmful gendered social norms shape attitudes towards relationships, masculinity and femininity. The conversation examines how abuse can sit on a continuum, from minimised behaviours and online harassment to coercive control and violence, and how normalisation allows that continuum to persist.

They discuss why violence against women and girls must be understood as a public health issue, not a private matter, and why prevention requires a whole community approach. This includes schools, families, practitioners, policymakers and crucially the inclusion of boys and young men as part of meaningful change.

The episode also introduces Dr Davies’ current international research on enhancing cervical screening care for women living with the impacts of sexual violence and abuse, including work across the UK, Sweden and Australia. The focus is on developing and evaluating compassionate, trauma informed models of care shaped by women’s lived experience.

This is a rigorous and honest discussion about power, control, prevention and what real systems change requires.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this conversation, Lorelei talks to Nia Thomas, Head of Culture Development from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, about what it really takes to build a healthy workplace culture in healthcare – one where staff feel safe, supported and empowered. Drawing on her extensive experience in organisational culture, Nia explores how culture is shaped by everyone, not just leadership, and why psychological safety is such a vital foundation for effective teams. She shares honest reflections on the challenges staff face at every level and highlights the importance of compassionate communication, modelling positive behaviours and creating environments where people feel able to speak up.

Nia shares how small, everyday interactions, reflective practice and curiosity can gradually shift culture in meaningful ways, and why strong relationships and trust are essential in complex health systems. The episode is grounded, practical and full of insight for anyone working to improve wellbeing, teamwork and equity in healthcare. This episode is a must-listen for managers, leaders, health educators and frontline professionals committed to building healthier, safer and more compassionate workplaces.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at something most of us slip into without meaning to - spending workdays sitting still. Imogen is joined by Anna Quinn, Wellbeing Officer at Bangor University, to talk about how this “desk-bound culture” crept in, what it’s doing to our energy and focus, and why moving more during the day doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming.

Together, we explore the small, realistic changes anyone can try — from walking meetings and standing tasks to using tech creatively and building short movement breaks back into busy schedules. We also discuss the personal side of movement: how our habits form, what gets in the way, and the surprising ways that tiny bits of activity can boost mood, concentration and overall wellbeing.

It’s a relaxed, practical conversation full of real-life examples, small wins and encouragement for anyone wanting to feel better at work — one simple movement at a time.

Additional Resources from Anna:

Active Workplace Champion Training | Bangor University

Reading list:

In Praise of Walking : The new science of how we walk and why it’s good for us: Shane O'Mara: 9781784707576: hive.co.uk 

The book is also available in BU library for staff and students to borrow: https://library.bangor.ac.uk/permalink/44WHELF_BANG/6bc255/alma991005270698502422

Paper by ML Griffiths at Public Health Wales on changes to activity levels of home-workers during Covid:

(PDF) Exploring the health impacts and inequalities of the new way of working: findings from a cross-sectional study

Physical Literacy Across the Lifecourse by Margaret Whitehead – compulsory reading for anyone wanting to learn about Physical Literacy:

Physical Literacy: Throughout the Lifecourse - 1st Edition - Margaret

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Health Equity Podcast, host Dr Lorelei Jones sits down with Dr Carys Stringer, Health Economist at Bangor University and a member of the newly launched Women’s Health Research Centre.

Together, they reflect on the College of Medicine and Health’s Women’s Health Symposium held at Pontio, Bangor University (17th September 2025). The event brought together researchers, clinicians, policymakers and the public to address inequalities in women’s health across the life course.

Carys shares her insights from keynote talks and presentations, ranging from endometriosis and cervical screening access to intersectionality, community-based domestic abuse programmes, and the value of meaningful co-production. The conversation highlights the breadth of research showcased at the symposium, the importance of collaboration, and how patient and public voices are shaping the future of women’s health in Wales.

This episode also explores the Welsh Government’s new Women’s Health Plan, including the introduction of dedicated Women’s Health Hubs set to transform access to care.

A fantastic discussion of another inspiring event – and a reminder of why advancing women’s health research and equity matters for all of us. 

Just a quick note: during the episode, “Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales” was accidentally introduced as “Fair Trade for the Women of Wales.” Our slip of the tongue! We wanted to make sure to give the correct name here and acknowledge the brilliant work they do.

Support the show