In this section, you will find our latest podcasts – another way to learn more about what is happening across the trust.
The Northumbria Way Podcast is a place where you can learn more about our trust, our community, and what we do to ensure excellent healthcare for you, the Northumbria way.
We discuss several topics including what goes on behind the scenes at the trust, tips to help you take care of your health & wellbeing, and more.
In this episode host Hannah Gallacher sits down with Aimee Pearson, a Theatre Education Coordinator, to explore how immersive technology is transforming training for theatre staff. From recreating high-pressure operating environments to providing hands-on learning experiences, Aimee shares how the Academy’s cutting-edge facilities are shaping the future of theatre education.
Join us for this insightful discussion and find out how innovation is making training more engaging, effective, and accessible.
In this episode of Ten Minute Takes, we’re excited to welcome Christine Murphy, our new Pastoral and Inclusion Lead at the Academy! Christine offers inspiring insights into her role, which focuses on breaking down barriers to learning and ensuring every student receives the support they need to thrive—academically, personally, and professionally.
Highlights include the importance of tailored support over a "one-size-fits-all" approach and practical advice for students with additional needs who may feel hesitant about stepping into higher education.
If you’re curious about how we’re empowering trainee nursing associates (TNAs) and fostering an inclusive, supportive learning environment, this episode is a must-watch.
In this episode host Hannah Gallacher sits down with Rebecca Fish, Apprenticeship Services Manager, to dive into the world of apprenticeships within the trust. With over 500 apprenticeships across 60+ standards—from entry-level roles to master’s degrees—there’s something for everyone.
Rebecca shares insights into her role, the benefits of apprenticeships, and how departments can initiate new programs to meet workforce needs. Plus, she brings a unique perspective as a three-time apprentice herself!
Whether you’re curious about starting your own apprenticeship journey, looking to recruit new talent, or just exploring career development options, this episode is packed with valuable information.
In this episode, host Hannah Gallacher chats with John Stratford, the Academy’s Education and Technology Trainer, about the incredible tech driving innovation in learning.
Discover how our high-fidelity simulation mannequins help nursing and midwifery students practice critical skills—from intubation to emergency scenarios—all in a realistic and hands-on environment.
Learn about our immersive suite, where entire patient journeys are brought to life with 360° projections, sounds, and even smells, creating training experiences that feel real and engaging.
Whether it's combining classroom learning with interactive simulations or bringing maternity wards and ambulances to life, our Academy is setting the standard for dynamic, practical education.
Host Hannah Gallacher sits down with Julie Mitchell, an experienced orthopaedic nurse practitioner at Wansbeck Hospital, to explore the evolving role of Enhanced Clinical Practitioners (ECPs).
Julie shares her journey, from plateauing in her career to rediscovering her passion for learning and teaching through the ECP program. Discover how this self-driven initiative allowed her to deepen her expertise, mentor colleagues, and embrace reverse mentorship—where even the most seasoned professionals learn from their peers.
Whether you're curious about advancing your nursing practice or simply seeking inspiration from Julie's dedication to holistic care and lifelong learning, this episode is packed with insights for healthcare professionals at any stage of their career.
This week, Hannah Gallacher sits down with Jess O'Keefe, Senior Clinical Lecturer for the BSc Professional Pathway Programme at the Academy, to discuss the intersection of clinical practice and academic education.
Jess shares her journey from intensive care nursing to education, highlighting the importance of maintaining clinical skills while teaching. She offers insights into the BSc Professional Pathway, designed to help healthcare professionals—nurses, midwives, and ODPs—advance their careers by "topping up" their qualifications in a flexible, supportive environment.
Whether you're a healthcare professional looking to advance your career or just curious about modern education in clinical settings, this episode is packed with practical advice!
In this episode, host Hannah Gallacher sits down with Jess Harrison, senior clinical lecturer and programme lead for the Nursing Associate Apprenticeship at the Health and Care Academy.
Jess shares insights into her journey as a registered nurse, her passion for cardiology, and her leadership in developing accessible pathways for aspiring healthcare professionals.
Whether you’re considering a career in nursing, curious about the apprenticeship route, or just love hearing inspiring stories from the healthcare field, this episode is packed with wisdom and motivation.
In this episode, host Hannah Gallacher speaks with Sharon Harrison, the Education and Development Lead for Nursing, Midwifery, and Allied Health Professionals (NMAHP) at the Academy. Sharon provides insights into her role, where she manages teams focused on practice development, resuscitation training, and innovative pathways in healthcare education, like the BSc Professional Pathway and Mouth Care Matters initiative.
Together, they explore the evolution of healthcare education, emphasising a learner-centred approach. Sharon shares valuable lessons from her journey, discussing how her focus has shifted from delivering content to designing programs that meet learners’ needs.
The episode also delves into the impact of NMAHP’s Deteriorating Patient Education course, which is tailored to Northumbria NHS. They discuss how this course builds healthcare staff confidence and readiness to manage critical scenarios effectively.
In this episode, host Hannah Gallacher sits down with Lee Ranyard-Lant, Senior Clinical Lecturer for the Non-Medical Prescribing Programme. Join us as we dive into the details of this essential programme, designed to equip healthcare professionals with the skills to prescribe safely and effectively.
In this episode, host Hannah Gallacher sits down with Harry Rebucha, Senior Clinical Lecturer and Programme Lead for the Enhanced Clinical Practice (ECP) programme. With over 17 years of experience as a paramedic, Harry brings a wealth of knowledge in both clinical and educational fields, and he’s passionate about preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Together, they discuss the purpose of the ECP programme, which aims to bridge skills gaps and equip healthcare workers with essential skills in leadership, management, education, and research. They also discuss how the programme is designed to foster a patient-centred approach and support continuous career progression in healthcare.
In this episode of Ten Minute Takes, host Hannah Gallacher sits down with Helen McManus, NMAHP Education and Development Lead, to explore transformative insights in healthcare education.
Helen shares valuable lessons she's learned over her career, emphasising the importance of tailoring educational experiences to meet each learner’s unique needs. From her background in nursing to her current work developing advanced practice programs, Helen underscores how putting learners at the centre not only enhances their success but also directly impacts patient care quality.
Discover how this learner-centred approach aligns with the core vision of healthcare education: preparing skilled professionals dedicated to patient well-being.
In this episode of Ten Minute Takes, host Hannah Gallacher, Business Manager at the Northumbria Health and Care Academy, sits down with Emma Dawes, Head of NMAHP (Nursing, Midwifery, and Allied Health Professionals) Education and Workforce Development.
Emma shares insights from her extensive career, starting in emergency and critical care to her current role, where she leads initiatives to strengthen the healthcare workforce through cutting-edge education and hands-on simulation. Join us to learn about the Academy’s future vision and how it aims to foster the next generation of healthcare professionals dedicated to compassionate and effective patient care.
Beyond the Court #3 - Sam & Sauveur on men's mental health
In Episode 3 of Beyond the Court, we’re joined by Newcastle Eagles players, Sam and Sauveur.
Sam Mamuini and Sauveur Kande talk about their similar journeys as young Eagles breaking into the senior team and the highs and lows of their basketball careers so far.
They also touch on the mental demands of the game, balancing work and university whilst playing for 3 teams and how a positivite outlook on life helps during hard times.
Beyond the Court #2 - Mike Okauru on men's mental health
In Episode 2 of Beyond the Court, we’ve sat down with Newcastle Eagles player Mike Okauru.
Mike talks about high pressure situations, overcoming major setbacks and back-to-back injuries, and how physical activity has positively impacted his mental health.
He also touches on experiencing racism, homesickness, and depression and how keeping in touch with family helped him through those hard moments.
Beyond the Court #1 - Jordan Spencer on men's mental health
Going beyond the court, we’ve met with the Newcastle Eagles to open up the conversation around men’s mental health.
In Episode 1 we've met with Jordan Spencer to talk about the stress and pressure that comes sport at a high level, and the importance of work-life balance.
Jordan also opens up about his past addiction with gambling, hitting rock bottom mentally, physically, and financially, and the importance of speaking out and reaching out for support.
In this episode we're joined by Nicola Beckett, to discuss our tobacco dependency service.
Nicky talks about why this service is so important for the trust and the region as the NHS is committed to achieving a smoke-free society in the UK by 2030.
Nicky also touches on the different methods and support systems used to help patients quit smoking, including Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), behavioural support, and vapes.
In Episode 6 of Wor Wellbeing we’re joined by our data & information standards manager, Malcolm Briggs to talk about reiki, a Japanese practice used for stress reduction and relaxation.
Malcolm touches on his own personal journey with reiki, how it changed his life and and why he has brought it to our trust as part of our wellbeing membership for staff.
He also touches on how he has seen reiki make a change in other people's lives, and covers different spiritual topics related to it, such as 'aura', 'chakras', and 'vibrational energy'.
In this episode our host and public health matron, Carla Anderson, is joined by Rae Lowe, chair of MNVP at Northumbria, to talk about the MNVP and shared decision making.
They dive into the importance of mothers making informed decisions, how they are supported with it, and how the MNVP supports service users to voice their opinions and share their feedback on service experience.
In this episode we dive into the public health initiatives that form a cornerstone of our clinical strategy.
Jill Harland from the public health team shares insights on how our trust is committed to enhancing the health and wellbeing of both our patients and staff.
This includes discussions around the significance of personalised care, addressing health inequalities, and the innovative ways we are fostering a healthier community.
In Episode 5 of Wor Wellbeing we’re joined by our lead immunisation nurse, Danielle Robinson, to talk about our vaccination service for staff.
Danielle touches on her career journey and dives into her role in the vaccinations team and the types of vaccines the service offers, including COVID-19, winter vaccines, measles, and pertussis.
In this episode, host Charlotte Routh, one of our trust clinical strategy leads, dives deep into the innovative world of virtual wards.
Joined by Helen Smart, general manager; Karen Hudson, nurse consultant; and Jen, clinical lead, we explore how virtual wards are transforming patient care by bringing hospital-level treatment to patients' homes.
To celebrate National Estates and Facilities Day we sat down with some of our colleagues from NHFM to discuss their roles, their impact on patient care and some of the challenges in their role that go unnoticed.
Often referred to as the 'unsung heroes of the NHS' our staff work behind the scenes to keep our hospitals up and running.
In this podcast episode, Eliot Sykes, consultant anaesthetist and intensivist, and Charlotte Routh, acute physician and clinical strategy lead, discuss Northumbria's clinical strategy and cover some of the most important aspects of moving forward to produce an effective and person-centred approach to patient care.
Aiming to complete the ultimate goal of benefitting patients by providing personalised, timely, and compassionate care, Eliot and Charlotte discuss the vital importance of involving patients, staff, primary care partners, and the voluntary sector in shaping healthcare services.
In celebration of International Day of the Midwife 2024 we've met with a group of our very own midwives - Carla Anderson, Kathryn Lissaman, and Michelle Salem - to talk about all things midwifery!
Topics discussed include: career journeys into midwifery, challenges that may go unnoticed in the role, evolution of the role, what being a midwife means to them.
Wor Wellbeing #3 - Insight into Public Health - Staff Health & Wellbeing Team
In Episode 3 of Wor Wellbeing we’re joined by Steven Chater and Lewis Lovelock-Millen from our public health team.
Steven and Lewis dive into what goes on within the public health team, including the many ways in which they help staff to improve their health and wellbeing. Topics include financial wellbeing, mini-MOTs, click and connect sessions, and our staff step challenge!
International Women’s Day is a day that is celebrated across the world to focus on the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
In this episode, host Emily Lavin, is joined by chief executive, Birju Bartoli, medical engineering technician, Tracy Burn, head porter, Charlene Sturgeon and senior information analyst, Laura Straughair-Flaws.
Our panel reflect on their experiences, discuss what it’s like to work in a stereotypical male dominated role and discuss what International Women’s Day means to them.
In Episode 2 of Wor Wellbeing we're joined by Kayleigh Bradley, one of our health and wellbeing co-ordinators.
Kayleigh talks about being our first health & wellbeing coordinator, our Safe, Fit, and Well scheme and how it can improve wellbeing for our staff.
She also dives into some of the success stories that our Safe, Fit & Well scheme has brought to our staff, and what we can expect to see in the future.
Wor Wellbeing #1 - The creation and progression of our staff wellbeing team
Going behind the scenes we've met with our staff wellbeing team to give you insight on how they make an impact to our staff's wellbeing.
In Episode 1, our host Sarah is joined by head of health and wellbeing services, Nicole Contigiorgi, who explains her role in helping Northumbria become the first NHS trust in the country to have a team dedicated to staff physical activity.
She also talks about the progression of the team's service, how they help staff, and what to expect from them in the future.
