Up, Up and Away - the digital health podcast

Send us Fan Mail

In this powerful episode (timed to coincide with the build up to this year's Clean Air Day on 19th June), Dom Burch is joined by Agnes Agyepong—maternal health advocate, founder of Black Child, Clean Air, and creator of the Glow Mama Awards. 

Agnes shares how her personal experience of being ignored as a mother led her to uncover the hidden impact of air pollution on children’s health, particularly in Black and working-class communities.

She opens up about battling suicidal thoughts while pregnant, and how she transformed pain into purpose—campaigning for environmental and maternal health justice, and building one of the UK’s largest digital awards for mums on social media.

You’ll hear about:

• The systemic challenges facing Black mothers in the NHS
• How air pollution nearly claimed her daughter’s life—and sparked a nationwide campaign
• The birth of Black Child, Clean Air and its viral impact
• Agnes’s journey through maternal mental health and the healing power of affirmation
• The creation of Glow Mama and its mission to celebrate motherhood in all its forms
• What digital health innovators need to get right for parents

Agnes is a force of nature. Her story is a call to action—for belief, community, and change.

⚠️ Trigger Warning

This episode includes discussion of maternal mental health and suicidal thoughts. If you’ve been affected, support is available. (See below.)

🧠 Support and Resources

• Samaritans (24/7): Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org
• PANDAS Foundation (Perinatal Mental Health): pandasfoundation.org.uk | 0808 1961 776
• Mind (Mental Health Support): mind.org.uk
• Maternal Mental Health Alliance: maternalmentalhealthalliance.org

🔗 Connect with Agnes

• Website: globalcmh.org
• Instagram: @globalchildandmaternalhealth
• LinkedIn: Agnes Agyepong

Send us Fan Mail

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Up Up and Away, hosts Dom Burch and Saira Arif launch the Breathe Easy, Play Hard campaign, dedicated to empowering young athletes with asthma. 

Sparked by the untimely passing of Saira's close friend Brendt Barrett, a strength coach who lived with asthma and sadly died of cancer, the campaign encourages open conversations between young athletes and their coaches about managing asthma both on and off the pitch.

Dom and Saira explore why asthma is often a hidden condition in sports and emphasise the importance of normalising it in sporting conversations. They discuss the emotional and physical challenges young athletes face and highlight how even small adjustments—like taking time to use an inhaler—can be the difference between fear and freedom in sports.

They shine a spotlight on the vital role coaches and PE teachers play in creating inclusive, supportive environments and introduce the Digital Health Passport, a free app to help athletes track symptoms and take control of their condition. The duo call for collaboration with schools, sports clubs, and parents—especially in South East London—to join the movement, reduce stigma, and ensure no child is sidelined by asthma.

Saira shares personal insights about navigating asthma in Dubai’s unique environment, from sandstorms to air-conditioned buildings, underscoring the importance of being alert to global and personal triggers.

This episode is not just a tribute to Brendt and the work that he did, but a call to action—inviting listeners to share their stories and help shift the narrative so that asthma becomes a part of the sports conversation, not a barrier to success.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Dom Burch sits down with Inhaler Tailor founders Will and Harriet Hogge, alongside marketing intern Lauren McClean, to discuss their innovative approach to asthma care, their journey as entrepreneurs, and the impact of their product.

From Idea to Innovation: The Birth of Inhaler Tailor

Will Hogge, originally from a tech background, shares his journey from working at Microsoft and running an elephant sanctuary to launching Inhaler Tailor. The idea was born when he saw his goddaughter struggle with asthma medication adherence. Wanting to make inhalers more appealing, he created a customisable case that turns an essential medical device into something fun and personalised.

Breaking the Stigma Around Inhaler Use

Asthma inhalers are often associated with weakness in popular media, reinforcing a stigma that makes young people reluctant to use them in public. The Inhaler Tailor cases aim to change that by transforming inhalers into accessories that users are proud to carry. Bright, stylish designs—including rubber ducks, unicorns, and even glow-in-the-dark options—help children and adults alike embrace their inhalers rather than hiding them.

The Power of Social Media and Dragon’s Den Exposure

Harriet explains how a TikTok video unexpectedly went viral, garnering over 3 million views in just two weeks. This pivotal moment not only boosted visibility but also caught the attention of Dragon’s Den, leading to a game-changing opportunity for the business. With social media as a core marketing strategy, they’ve seen firsthand how video content resonates with younger audiences, helping normalise inhaler use.

The Bigger Picture: NHS Collaboration and Clinical Trials

While Inhaler Tailor has gained traction with individual customers, Will and Harriet are working toward wider adoption within the UK healthcare system. NHS trusts have already begun placing bulk orders, but navigating the complexities of funding and research remains a challenge. A study with York St John University and York and Scarborough Teaching Hospital is in the works to quantify the impact of their cases on medication adherence. Will and Harriet's early research suggests 76% of users take their inhaler more regularly, and 99% find their inhaler easier to locate.

What’s Next for Inhaler Tailor?

Looking ahead, Inhaler Tailor aims to expand internationally, particularly in the U.S. They’re also focused on securing NHS backing and funding for a full-scale clinical trial to further validate the product’s benefits. They invite NHS professionals and potential collaborators to reach out and help drive this initiative forward.

Find Out More

For more on Inhaler Tailor, visit inhalertailor.com or simply search Inhaler Case online. They’re also available via WhatsApp on their website for direct inquiries.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Up, Up & Away, host Dom Burch sits down with Yinka Sholaja, a clinical project manager and passionate advocate for digital health innovation, particularly in the management of sickle cell disease.

Yinka shares her personal connection to the disease, her journey into clinical research, and how digital health tools—like the Digital Health Passport—can empower patients, track symptoms, and provide essential resources. The discussion delves into health inequalities, the importance of community support, and the potential of AI and machine learning in transforming healthcare accessibility.

Key Themes & Takeaways

1. Digital Health & Sickle Cell Disease
   • Yinka emphasises the importance of digital health solutions for managing chronic conditions like sickle cell disease.
2. Health Inequalities & The Need for Innovation
   • Yinka highlights disparities in healthcare, especially for marginalised communities.
   • She stresses the importance of improving access to quality care and tackling health inequalities.
   • Her experience in Nigeria shaped her passion for addressing these challenges.
3. The Role of Technology in Patient Empowerment
   • Yinka discusses the potential of digital health tools, particularly the Digital Health Passport, to help patients track symptoms, manage pain, and receive health alerts.
   • She points out that providing people with the right tools can significantly improve their health outcomes.
   • AI and machine learning hold promise for enhancing healthcare accessibility and effectiveness.
4. Community Support & Patient Voice
   • The importance of a sense of community for individuals living with sickle cell disease is emphasised.
   • Patients benefit from shared experiences, support networks, and accessible, trustworthy information.
   • The Caribbean & African Health Network is involved in outreach efforts, helping to understand and address patient needs.
5. Research & Clinical Trials
   • Yinka is engaged in research on improving sickle cell disease management through lifestyle changes and technology.
   • She encourages participation in digital health trials to validate the effectiveness of the platform in improving patient outcomes.
   • Previous successes with asthma apps indicate that digital health tools can help users take control of their conditions.
6. Reaching the Right Audience
   • Engaging young people where they are—whether through social media, community spaces, Cub Scouts or sports clubs—is key to ensuring health innovations are effective.
   • Traditional healthcare outreach (such as GP posters) may not reach those who need these solutions the most.
7. Call to Action
   • Yinka urges people affected by sickle cell disease to participate in upcoming trials to help refine and improve the platform.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the "Up, Up and Away" podcast, Dom Burch interviews Victoria Betton, founder and director of PeopleDotCom Limited, a consultancy specialising in human-centered design, digital strategy, and adoption for social impact. With 25 years of experience in charities, social work, the NHS, local government, and industry, Victoria shares insights from her journey into digital health and her passion for user-centered design.

Key discussion points include:

Victoria’s Career Path: Victoria traces her unconventional route from studying English literature to founding her consultancy, highlighting her pivotal roles in the NHS and her creation of MHabitat, a consultancy within the NHS focusing on digital health innovation.

Children’s Digital Health Accelerator: Victoria talks about The KidsUp health accelerator with Sheffield Children’s Hospital, where she is helping startups navigate the NHS system to create impactful digital health solutions.

Challenges in Healthcare Innovation: The conversation delves into the complexities of introducing tech in healthcare, emphasising user-centered design to solve real-world problems, the importance of addressing health inequalities, and the hurdles small companies face in scaling innovations within the NHS.

Equity Charter Campaign: Victoria discusses her involvement in a campaign promoting equity in digital health, advocating for inclusive design and addressing digital poverty in underserved communities.

Future of Digital Health: Finally, Dom and Victoria explore the prospects of regional collaboration in healthcare, foundational digitisation efforts, and the need for sustainable and accessible innovation. 

A qualified social worker and coach, Victoria holds master's degrees in Women's Studies and Social Work, and a Diploma in Public Sector Relations. Her doctoral research focused on mental health and online social networks. She is also an author and public speaker, with her latest book titled "Towards a Digital Health Ecology – NHS Digital Adoption through the COVID-19 Looking Glass." 

Victoria is actively involved in various professional roles, including serving as a member of the techUK Health and Care Council, co-chairing the techUK/NHSD/NHSX User-centred Design Group, and mentoring for the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme and NHS Digital Academy.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Up Up and Away podcast, host Dom Burch welcomes Kate Cheema, Director of Evaluation and Insight at UCLPartners. With over 17 years in NHS data analysis and patient safety, Kate offers a deep dive into the transformative power of data and AI in healthcare, describing her work as “turning all this nerdy gold into something meaningful for people working directly with patients”.

Kate describes her passion for data analysis, embracing her role in transforming vast datasets into valuable insights that directly support healthcare professionals. Rather than simply accumulating data, her team's mission is to make this information actionable, providing clarity and direction to those in patient-facing roles. She explains that the integration of AI and new data tools is revolutionising how healthcare can utilise its full data potential, beyond traditional structured formats, making this an exhilarating time for health innovation. 

Focusing on asthma management, she highlights the substantial financial burden of uncontrolled asthma, emphasising that solutions like the Digital Health Passport (DHP) not only improve patient outcomes but also offer significant cost savings by helping patients better manage their conditions. The DHP’s tracking feature, highly valued by users, fosters a sense of empowerment and control, transforming routine health data into a daily tool for self-management.

By targeting young people and underserved communities, Kate reveals the DHP for asthma has demonstrated a 2.24-point improvement in asthma control, which she notes is both statistically significant and practically impactful. She emphasises the empowering nature of the DHP, saying, “Knowledge is power, and having that in the palm of your hand gives a sense of control”.

Kate also discusses the broader potential of AI in healthcare, describing it as an “exciting time to be alive” as unstructured data becomes actionable through advanced text analysis tools, making patient voices central to healthcare improvements. Her team, she explains, acts as a “translator,” bridging data insights with real-world applications, from clinical settings to patient self-management.

The Digital Health Passport's role in reducing emergency visits and improving asthma self-management also promises a significant cost-saving, with an ROI of £9.28 for every £1 spent, illustrating the financial and healthcare benefits of data-informed innovation. As Kate succinctly puts it, “Uncontrolled asthma is really expensive… Anything that helps people move into a more controlled space will save potentially very significant sums of money”.

Kate's podcast offers insights for healthcare innovators and underscores the profound impact of data on patient well-being, affirming the role of tools like the DHP in improving health outcomes and accessibility. 

Her optimism shines through, as she expresses hope for a healthcare landscape increasingly informed by rigorous data analysis and patient-centred innovations.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Up, Up & Away podcast, Dom Burch interviews Charles Kwaku-Odoi, Chief Executive of the Caribbean & African Health Network (CAHN). He is a Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Greater Manchester, an honorary member of the esteemed Faculty of Public Health (FPH), and the honorary Ecumenical Canon at Manchester Cathedral.

He has trustees and board roles including the NHS Race and Health Observatory; Manchester Foundation Trust Council of Governors; and Government SAGE Ethnicity Subgroup. Charles was named in the Health Service Journal 50 most influential Black Asian and Minority Ethnic people in health in the UK for two years running (2022 & 2023).

Dom and Charles discuss CAHN's efforts to reduce health inequalities, particularly within Black communities, and its collaboration with Tiny Medical Apps on developing a Digital Health Passport to assist in managing long-term conditions like epilepsy and sickle cell anaemia.

Health Inequalities and Trust:
Charles emphasises the deep challenge of trust in healthcare, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic:
"The big challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic was the lack of trust in services."

He highlights the need to build relationships with faith and community leaders to gain trust and improve health outcomes.

Co-Design and Lived Experience:
Charles underscores the importance of including communities in the design of healthcare solutions: "The lived experience makes an awful lot of difference."

Co-designing with communities ensures the relevance and effectiveness of healthcare interventions.

Digital Health and Empowerment:
He discusses the empowering role of digital tools like the health passport for sickle cell patients: "It's empowering for people to take the lead in managing their conditions."

He explains that enabling individuals to track symptoms and access reliable information can reduce the burden on the healthcare system.

Collaboration and Long-Term Solutions:
Charles advocates for moving away from short-term pilots and focusing on long-term, systemic change, calling for greater collaboration between regions and communities: "We need to shift from treating conditions to treating people as individuals."

Join us for a special webinar hosted by Tiny Medical Apps on 15th October, titled "Asthma Innovation: Digital Strategies to Impact Health in our Communities". Explore how digital health tools can revolutionise asthma care and improve health outcomes in underserved communities. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from industry experts and learn about cutting-edge strategies to tackle health inequalities through technology. Register now to secure your spot!

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the podcast, host Dom Burch sits down with Jess Russell, an experienced asthma practitioner, to discuss practical strategies for managing asthma, the importance of patient education, and the role of digital tools in supporting better health outcomes.

Key Themes and Highlights:

• Empowering Patients Through Education and Self-Management 

Jess emphasises the critical role of education in empowering patients to manage their asthma effectively. She shares insights on how patient education goes beyond simply understanding asthma as a condition—it involves teaching patients the skills and confidence needed to manage their symptoms daily.

"It’s not just about knowing what asthma is; it's about understanding how to live with it every day, recognising triggers, and knowing when to use medications appropriately," Jess explains.

• Importance of Personalised Asthma Action Plans 

A major point Jess makes is the value of personalised asthma action plans. She highlights that these plans are tailored to each individual, taking into account their specific triggers, symptoms, and lifestyle.

"Asthma action plans are essential because they provide a clear roadmap for patients and their families. It’s about having that step-by-step guide that empowers them to act confidently, especially in emergency situations."

Jess also discusses how these plans can be integrated into digital platforms, making them more accessible and easier to update as needed.

• Role of Digital Tools in Asthma Management 

Jess and Dom delve into how digital tools like the Digital Health Passport (DHP) are revolutionising asthma care. Jess underscores the benefits of having a digital tool that allows patients to monitor their condition, track medication use, and stay informed about their health.

"Digital tools like the Digital Health Passport provide a convenient way for patients to keep track of their asthma. It’s not just about logging information; it’s about giving patients a sense of control and involvement in their care," Jess states.

She also points out that digital tools can facilitate better communication between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring that everyone is on the same page when it comes to managing the condition.

• Community and Support Networks 

Jess discusses the importance of building a strong support network for asthma patients, which includes not just healthcare professionals but also family, friends, and peers.

"Asthma management isn't something that should be done in isolation. Having a support network that understands the challenges and can offer support is invaluable," she says.

She highlights how digital platforms can also serve as a community space where patients can share experiences and support each other.

• Advocacy and Raising Awareness 

Throughout the interview, Jess is passionate about advocating for greater awareness around asthma and the need for continuous education and resources.

"There’s still a lot of misunderstanding about asthma. We need to continue raising awareness and ensuring that everyone—patients, families, and even schools—have access to the right information and tools," Jess emphasises.

Conclusion:

Jess sheds light on the multifaceted approach needed to manage asthma effectively. From patient education and personalised action plans to the integration of digital tools and the power of community, Jess highlights the key strategies that can make a real difference in the lives of asthma patients. 

Send us Fan Mail

In the latest episode of Up, Up and Away, host Dom Burch speaks to Dr. Pamela Rackow and Alexandra Dima - two esteemed researchers in the field of health psychology and digital health. Pamela is a Psychology Lecturer at the University of Stirling, who specialises in the mechanisms of behaviour change and the role of digital technology in promoting healthier lifestyles.

Alex is Principal Researcher at the Avedis Donabedian Research Institute - Autonomous University of Barcelona. Alex focuses on person-centred care and improving the management of chronic conditions through collaborative care and self-management support. Her research spans a variety of conditions including asthma, HIV, cancer, and stroke, with a strong emphasis on shared decision-making, treatment adherence, health literacy, and eHealth.

In the podcast they cover several key themes in health psychology and digital health, particularly focusing on behaviour change, chronic condition management, and the role of digital technologies.

Health Behaviour Change and Digital Technologies:

Dr. Pamela Rackow emphasises the importance of digital technology in promoting behaviour change, particularly in the context of chronic conditions like asthma. She discusses various interventions, such as digital apps and gamification, to support individuals, especially young people, in managing their health. For example, she mentioned using WhatsApp groups to support healthier eating and a gamified app to educate young people about COVID-19, which not only informed but also reduced anxiety by engaging with the subject in a controlled way.

Person-Centred Care and Self-Management:

Alexandra Dima discusses the importance of person-centred care and the challenges of self-management for chronic conditions. She highlights the diversity of healthcare systems across Europe and the need for tailored care that considers individual circumstances. Dima also touches on the need for better communication between healthcare professionals and patients, as well as among professionals themselves, to improve care outcomes.

Challenges in Behaviour Change:

Both Pamela and Alex agree that behaviour change is complex, with diverse and individualised reasons for certain behaviours. They discuss the need for tailored interventions that consider a person’s current context and life situation. Dr Rackow points out that small, manageable steps are crucial for empowering patients and fostering self-efficacy, which is essential for long-term behaviour change.

Role of Collaboration:

Both researchers emphasise the importance of collaboration between universities, healthcare providers, and digital health developers. Dr Rackow expresses a desire for more partnerships to translate research into practical digital health solutions, while Alex Dima discusses the potential of the Enable repository to foster collaboration and share best practices across Europe.

Future Trends in Digital Health:

The conversation ends with a discussion on future trends in digital health. Alex Dima highlights the challenge of balancing technological integration with maintaining diversity and user engagement. Dr Rackow is excited about further collaborations that can bridge the gap between academic research and practical digital health applications, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Tiny Medical Apps / Digital Health Passport podcast, cohosts Dom Burch and Saira Arif interview Laura King, a senior children and young people's asthma practitioner for North East London. Laura shares her journey from starting in orthopaedics to becoming an asthma specialist, highlighting her initial experiences in A&E and her passion for managing long-term conditions like asthma.

Key Themes:
Career Journey and Passion for Asthma Care:

• Laura King discusses her transition from orthopaedics to asthma care, emphasising her interest in managing long-term conditions seen in A&E. She shares how her early experiences shaped her dedication to helping children and families manage asthma effectively.

Challenges and Strategies in Asthma Management:

• Laura addresses the difficulties families face, particularly in deprived areas, in managing asthma. She highlights the importance of education and empowerment, ensuring families have the knowledge to make informed decisions about their health.

Engagement and Education Techniques:

• Laura elaborates on her use of visual aids and storybooks to simplify complex asthma information for children and families. She believes in making information accessible and memorable through creative methods.

Digital Tools and Innovations:

• The podcast explores the benefits of digital tools like the Digital Health Passport, which consolidates health information in one place. Laura praises the app's ability to help families manage asthma symptoms and access essential information conveniently.

Personal Stories and Inspiration:

• Laura shares personal stories, including the loss of a close friend, which inspired her to write children's books. She also discusses how becoming a mother has driven her to push for improvements in asthma care.

Future Direction and Advice:

• Laura encourages healthcare professionals to show their passion and humanity in their work. She advises not to be afraid of being emotional and personal, as it can greatly enhance patient care.