The RCHT Podcast

How much of cyber security is really about technology, and how much is about human behaviour?For Cyber Security Awareness Month, Martin Price joins us to explore how cyber criminals use trust and manipulation to their advantage, why AI is making some scams harder to spot, and why simple actions such as questioning an unexpected email or challenging someone for ID can make a difference. We also discuss ransomware, physical security and the growing use of passkeys as an alternative to traditional passwords.

Flu is often dismissed as just a bad cold, but how serious can it actually be? Iain Davidson, Chief Pharmacist at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, talks to Pete and Charlie about flu, why some people remain unsure about getting vaccinated, common concerns about the flu jab, and why the decision to get vaccinated isn't necessarily just about protecting yourself.

When people think about healthcare, they often think of doctors and nurses. But many of the services patients rely on every day are delivered by Allied Health Professionals (AHPs).In this episode, Peter and Charlie are joined by Ian Longbottom, Dual Associate Director of Allied Health Professionals, and Michelle Langford, Head of Diagnostic Imaging Services, to explore the vital role AHPs play across hospitals, communities and patients' lives. Together they discuss the wide range of professions that make up the AHP workforce, career opportunities within the NHS, workforce challenges, innovation and emerging technologies, and their vision for the future of AHP services in Cornwall.

Most of us don't think much about our feet until something goes wrong. But being able to walk comfortably can make all the difference to our independence, confidence and quality of life.In this episode, Neil Smith, Professional Lead for Podiatry at Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, shares how a personal family experience inspired him to become a podiatrist, explains the surprising breadth of modern podiatry, and discusses why looking after our feet can have a much bigger impact on our lives than many people realise.

In this episode, Chair of Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, David Allen, and Acting Chief Executive, Kim O'Keeffe talk about the commitment to end corridor care, how organisations across Cornwall are working together to provide more joined-up care, major developments including eCare and the future Women's and Children's Hospital, and why the NHS Staff Survey plays an important role in shaping decisions across the our hospitals. They also share some personal reflections on the patients, families, staff and volunteers who continue to inspire them every day.

You've probably seen them around the hospital in their distinctive pink uniforms. Known to many as the Pink Ladies, Amanda and Yvonne from the Stop Smoking Service spend their days supporting patients who want to stop smoking.In this episode of the RCHT Podcast, they join Pete and Charlie to talk about the Smokefree South West campaign, the support available to patients, and why every quit attempt matters.It's also a chance to meet the people behind the service. Their warmth, positivity and genuine passion for helping others comes across throughout this conversation.Because as Amanda and Yvonne explain, it's never too late to quit.

As the summer holidays approach and events and festivals bring thousands of people together across Cornwall, how can we help young people stay safe around drugs and alcohol?

In this episode of the RCHT Podcast, host Peter Young is joined by Chantelle Hellier, Safeguarding Practitioner for Children at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, and Jodie Lynes, YZUP Team Leader at WithYou Cornwall.

Together they discuss the realities of drug and alcohol use among young people, why substances such as ketamine are causing increasing concern, the warning signs parents and professionals should look out for, and how to start supportive conversations without judgement. They also share practical advice on festival safety, reducing risks, and where to find help and support if you're worried about yourself, a friend or a family member.

RCHT Chair, David Allen and Acting Chief Executive, Kim O'Keeffe join Peter Young to discuss the pressures facing urgent and emergency care, improving patient flow, strengthening partnerships across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and why there is growing optimism about the future. They also talk about staff culture, health inequalities, the new Women and Children's Hospital, and other positive developments across the Trust.

What is it like to perform surgery using a robot? In this special episode, we go behind the scenes of Cornwall's first robot-assisted operation, hear from the surgeon who led the procedure, Professor James Clark, and discover how this groundbreaking technology will transform care for patients across the county.

AI tools like Copilot and ChatGPT are becoming increasingly common in the workplace, but how can NHS staff use them safely?

In this episode of the RCHT Podcast, Peter speaks with Martin Price, Cyber Security Lead at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, about the opportunities and risks associated with AI.

They discuss protecting patient and confidential information, common misconceptions about AI, emerging cyber security threats, and practical tips for using AI safely and responsibly in the NHS.