The Right Chamber

Learn about moving, handling and dignity in the NHS with hosts Jasprit and Victor as they talk to Paul Featherby-Davis, a nurse of 23 years who now leads moving & handling and core-risk medical device education at The Dudley Group. Paul shares how evidence-based training improves safety for patients and staff. From portable oxygen and infusion pumps to syringe drivers and suction, while supporting colleagues back into work after injury or illness.

Through real cases, Paul shows the impact of getting care right. An end-of-life, plus-size patient received dignified support at home without needing extra medication, preserving precious family time. A man with Parkinson’s, previously turned away twice, completed an ophthalmology procedure in 15 minutes after timed medication and the correct transfer aid.

We discuss common challenges (service pressure, cancellations, device errors) and why the response should be learning, not blame. Paul’s own 2019 experience of being under-dosed after his weight wasn’t recorded now fuels projects that benefit everyone: weighing all inpatients within four hours of arrival (with weigh bridges, bed/hoist scales, and standard deductions for mattresses/linen), tiered handling programmes for acute vs. outpatient teams, respectful language and school outreach around “plus-size,” and new training for medical students and junior doctors.

Mobilisation is everyone’s job. Early movement prevents de-conditioning, protects dignity, and shortens stays. Paul also serves as a trustee with the National Back Exchange, bringing ergonomics and biomechanics research into everyday practice.

If you’re NHS staff or simply curious about the people behind the service, this episode is for you.

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#WorkforceDevelopment #MedicalEducation #NursingEducation #MovingAndHandling #ManualHandling #MedicalDevices #ClinicalTraining #HealthcareLeadership #EveryDayIsASchoolDay

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Produced by the RGUC Digital Media Team – https://iclinical.co.uk/digital-media-links

Music credit: Kalte Ohren (septahelix remix) by septahelix (c) copyright 2019 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. https://dig.ccmixter.org/files/septah… Ft: starfrosch

We sit down with Professor Atiq-ur Rehman, a leading vascular surgeon, medical educator and humanitarian whose remarkable journey beautifully bridges continents, compassion, and community impact.

Professor Rehman recounts his path from earning his medical degree in Pakistan to moving to the UK in the early 1990s. He completed advanced surgical training at renowned institutions, including St Mary’s Hospital in London. In 2004, he became a Consultant Vascular Surgeon, marking a major milestone in his career. Alongside his clinical work, he developed a deep passion for teaching and mentorship. He now serves as Director of Medical Education at Russell Hall Hospital. In this role, he continues the educational legacy of his mentor, Mr Ron Grimley.

A central story in this episode is the Abdul Rehman Memorial Trust, founded in memory of his late father. Through this trust, Professor Rehman helped establish Bewal International Hospital in his hometown in Pakistan. The humanitarian project was inspired by the lack of accessible healthcare he witnessed during his childhood. He mobilised support from diaspora communities across the UK to make this vision a reality. Together, they raised nearly £1 million to build a hospital serving the local community. The hospital provides essential services, including maternity care, emergency treatment, dialysis, and free surgical camps.

Through heartfelt reflection, Professor Rehman shares the challenges of sustaining charitable healthcare initiatives. He also celebrates the joy of international collaboration and the power of shared purpose. Ultimately, he believes that being a great doctor begins with being a good human being.

Professor Rehman’s story is a powerful reminder that one person’s vision, grounded in empathy and perseverance, can transform entire communities.

Bewal International Hospital – official website – http://www.bewal.com/hospital/

Donate to Abdul Rehman Memorial Trust – https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=QDHR3SMYDE2CC

BBC News (Midlands Today) – December 2006 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXgH0J3o154

Ron Grimley Bio – https://www.rguc.co.uk/our-academy/

#bewal #abdulrehmanmemorialtrust #humanitarian #charity #pakistan #accesstohealthcare #community

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Produced by the RGUC Digital Media Team – https://iclinical.co.uk/digital-media-links

Music credit: Kalte Ohren (septahelix remix) by septahelix (c) copyright 2019 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. https://dig.ccmixter.org/files/septah… Ft: starfrosch

Professor Sabena Jameel shares her remarkable journey from growing up as the daughter of an Indian immigrant in the Peak District to becoming specialist for professionalism in medicine. She has over 25 experience years as an inner-city GP in Birmingham while simultaneously developing an influential career in medical education.

Sabena reflects on her shift into education in 2006.  With the rise of AI, she argues that it is precisely these humane qualities that must now be nurtured. Her PhD explored wisdom in doctors, drawing on the life stories of practitioners identified as particularly wise. Sabena identified attributes such as humility, open-mindedness, reframing challenges, growth mindset, autonomy, healthy boundaries, and a commitment to the “golden rule.”

She explains how her work redefines professionalism beyond mere compliance with rules and regulations, instead rooting it in Aristotelian virtue ethics and practical wisdom. Meaning, the ability to do the right thing at the right time, in the right way, for the right person. This nuanced approach allows doctors to balance honesty with kindness, tailoring their communication to the unique needs of each patient.

Alongside her teaching, Sabena leads major initiatives. She is the professionalism lead for the new MBChB Curriculum 2030. In addition she is academic quality lead, and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) lead for the School of Medical Sciences. The emotional challenges of tackling systemic discrimination are discussed, emphasising that fairness, justice, and compassion are inseparable from professionalism. Sabena’s vision is of a medical culture that cultivates wisdom, values, and inclusion, hence ensuring doctors are not only technically skilled but are also deeply humane.

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#professionaldevelopment #professionalisminmedicine #nhs #gp #selfbelief #confidence #equalitydiversityandinclusion #podcastclips #medicalpodcast #healthcarepodcast #doctorlife #mededcommunity #healthcareprofessionals professionalism in medicine

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Produced by the RGUC Digital Media Team – https://iclinical.co.uk/digital-media…

Music credit: Kalte Ohren (septahelix remix) by septahelix (c) copyright 2019 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. https://dig.ccmixter.org/files/septah… Ft: starfrosch

In this episode, we hear from Lorraine Allchurch, Lead AHP Support Worker at The Dudley Group. Lorraine shines a light on the often-overlooked but essential contribution of support staff within the NHS.

Support workers cover a wide range of roles, including radiography assistants, dietetic assistants, therapy practitioners, and more. Lorraine explains that while some use these positions as stepping-stones to become registered clinicians, many choose to remain in their support roles. Her mission is to ensure that every support worker—regardless of career aspirations—has the opportunity to thrive, develop, and feel valued.

No two days are the same for Lorraine. One day she may be speaking at a school to inspire young people about NHS careers, the next she might be running focus groups or lecturing at universities. What ties her work together is a passion for education, development, and advocacy. She stresses the importance of continuous professional development (CPD) not just for registered clinicians, but equally for the support workforce who provide direct, patient-focused care.

Lorraine highlights the challenges these staff face, including limited access to training, workplace pressures that make time for learning difficult, and a lingering sense of invisibility within the healthcare system. Her role is about breaking down those barriers—creating spaces where support workers can connect, celebrate their contributions, and access growth opportunities.

From regional conferences to quality improvement projects, Lorraine works to amplify the voices of support staff and embed them into the future of healthcare delivery. As she explains, support workers are often closest to patients and problems, meaning they frequently hold the key to innovative solutions.

This episode is a reminder that valuing and empowering every layer of the workforce is vital to building a stronger, more inclusive NHS.

In this episode, Rachel Pearce, Workforce Development Business Partner at The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, discusses her role and the innovative projects she leads to strengthen local NHS career pathways. Having transitioned from a traditional HR background, Rachel’s position—introduced in December 2023—focuses on developing talent pipelines, building partnerships with schools and colleges, and making NHS careers more visible and accessible. Her remit includes workforce planning, apprenticeship growth, work experience programs, and overseeing recruitment as part of a more strategic, transformational approach.

A central focus of Rachel’s work is “ICAN Dudley,” a collaborative initiative between The Dudley Group NHS and Dudley Council. Inspired by a successful Birmingham model but adapted for local needs, ICAN Dudley addresses unemployment while filling health and social care vacancies. Launched in 2023 with time-limited funding from surplus Commonwealth Games resources, the program is unique in its partnership between the two largest employers in the borough.

Unlike Birmingham’s scheme, Dudley’s version operates with fewer vacancies and a smaller team, using the funding as a pilot to test concepts. A key component is the “Into Employment” program—a four-week voluntary course for unemployed residents interested in health and social care careers. Participants, often referred by Jobcentre Plus, receive employability training, confidence-building sessions, interview preparation, and digital skills support. The program is jointly delivered by NHS staff, council teams, and community learning providers.

Rachel highlights that beyond skills, many jobseekers face confidence barriers that make the recruitment process daunting. ICAN Dudley’s holistic approach aims to remove these obstacles, encouraging individuals to see themselves in NHS and council roles. By aligning recruitment, training, and career development under one umbrella, The Dudley Group is creating sustainable pathways into meaningful work while strengthening the local workforce.

Contact information related to this episode:

The ICan Dudley team is open to receiving referrals from young people aged 18-29 facing barriers to work. You can contact them here: [email protected]

If you are a Dudley-based business and would like to know how ICan Dudley can support you to meet your Corporate Social Responsiblity goals, please contact [email protected]

#EqualOpportunities #WorkChangesLives #PathwayToWork #DudleyCommunity #BlackCountryVoices #MentalHealthAndWork #SupportAndOpportunity

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Produced by the RGUC Digital Media Team – https://iclinical.co.uk/digital-media-links/

Music credit: Kalte Ohren (septahelix remix) by septahelix (c) copyright 2019 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. https://dig.ccmixter.org/files/septahelix/59527 Ft: starfrosch

In this episode, we meet Laura James, Undergraduate Assistant Manager, and Courtnie Griffiths, Fifth Year Undergraduate Coordinator, who share insights into the vital work of the Ron Grimley Undergraduate Centre at Russells Hall Hospital. Their team supports medical students and trainees from the University of Birmingham, Aston University, and Three Counties Medical School—coordinating placements, timetables, and teaching to ensure high-quality training.

With student numbers steadily increasing year-on-year, space within wards and departments has become a major challenge. The team works creatively to ensure all learners receive a valuable experience, from implementing split shifts in busy areas such as ED, ICU, and AMU, to maintaining strong relationships with clinical leads and ward teams. Regular monthly meetings with the wider academy help address issues early and keep communication flowing.

Both Laura and Courtnie find great reward in seeing students progress from work experience to medical school, and eventually returning as doctors. This continuity fosters a sense of pride and purpose in their administrative roles, knowing that today’s trainees could be the clinicians caring for us in years to come.

#podcast #NHS #admin #medicalstudent #placement

In this insightful episode, we meet Jill Faulkner, Associate Director of Patient Experience, who shares her extensive experience and the vital role she plays in supporting both patients and staff. With a career in the NHS spanning over 30 years—eight of them at Dudley—Jill provides a behind-the-scenes look at the work involved in patient experience and complaints management.

Jill discusses her broad and evolving responsibilities, which include overseeing formal complaints, compliments, volunteers, chaplaincy, the arts, and environmental services. She explains how her role has recently expanded to include managing complaints at Sandwell and MMU. Despite the often-challenging nature of her work, she emphasizes that compliments significantly outnumber complaints, offering reassurance about the positive feedback healthcare staff receive.

A focal point of the episode is Jill’s work as an advanced-level mediator. She facilitates confidential, voluntary mediation between patients, families, and staff, helping them communicate and resolve conflicts in a safe and neutral setting. She explains the process step-by-step, highlighting the importance of impartiality, active listening, and empathy—without taking sides or imposing solutions.

Jill also outlines the NHS complaints process in detail, describing how concerns are triaged as informal (PALS), standard (quick resolution), or formal complaints. Each complaint is reviewed by her and her team, and complainants are offered either a written response or a local resolution meeting. Meetings are carefully structured and recorded, and follow-up summaries ensure clarity and transparency.

This episode offers listeners a compassionate, informative look at how patient voices are heard and addressed within the NHS. Through Jill’s experience and dedication, it’s clear how patient experience teams help maintain trust, resolve issues, and create a culture of continuous improvement across healthcare services.

In this episode, Dr Adrian Jennings, a consultant anaesthetist at The Dudley Group since 2013, shares insights into his career and the evolving role of anaesthesiology. Initially pursuing a path in internal medicine, Adrian shifted to anaesthetics after realising he preferred the focused, hands-on nature of the specialty. He now specialises in vascular anaesthesia, preoperative assessment, and emergency theatre work, managing complex and critically ill patients.

The conversation also explores the broader responsibilities Adrian holds, including his role as Clinical Director for Patient Safety. In this capacity, he focuses on improving care for deteriorating patients and recently helped implement “Martha’s Rule” within the Trust. This initiative was inspired by the tragic story of Martha, a young girl who died in 2021 following a pancreatic injury. Martha’s Rule aims to empower patients and families to escalate care concerns, ensuring timely intervention and preventing similar tragedies.

Adrian underscores the importance of listening to patients and families, promoting a culture of safety, and continuously improving healthcare delivery. The episode offers a compelling look at the depth of anaesthesiology and the critical role of patient advocacy in modern medicine.

#marthasrule #deterioration #nhs #patientsafety #podcast #meded #interview #dudley

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Produced by the RGUC Digital Media Team – https://linktr.ee/RGUCmedia

Music credit: Kalte Ohren (septahelix remix) by septahelix (c) copyright 2019 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. https://dig.ccmixter.org/files/septahelix/59527 Ft: starfrosch

In this episode, microbiologist Dr. Elizabeth Rees shares her journey and reflections from her 26-year career at the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust. Originally from Birmingham and trained in the West Midlands, Liz began her consultant role in 1999 and has since taken on multiple responsibilities including Infection Control Doctor and Chief of Community and Core Clinical Services.

The focus of the conversation turns to Liz’s experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time she describes as both challenging and fascinating. She vividly recalls the first confirmed COVID-19 case at the hospital in early March 2020, before the UK lockdown. The patient had initially presented with unrelated symptoms, and it was a cardiologist’s keen observation that prompted COVID-19 testing.

Liz discusses the early hurdles, such as limited access to testing facilities, delays in results, and the manual effort required to communicate diagnoses. A particularly emotional aspect was learning that many patients on the results list had already passed away by the time results arrived.

A shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) presented additional stress. Liz recounts receiving a call about mask shortages while at a beauty salon and how the beautician generously donated her stock of surgical masks for hospital use—an example of the community’s willingness to help.

She explains how rapidly evolving guidance demanded daily response meetings, addressing everything from patient management to oxygen distribution. The hospital’s estates department played a critical role in adapting infrastructure to meet unprecedented oxygen demands.

Ultimately, Liz reflects on the collaboration, resilience, and compassion demonstrated by healthcare workers and the public during an extraordinary time in medical history.