Linda's Podcast: Who Cares?

Richard talks about his optimism for Primary Care in the UK, based on commitments and progress made before the pandemic and a shared commitment to integrated care across all sectors. All this despite colossal challenges.

In a slight departure from our usual subject matter, in this episode we take time to understand in more depth the relatively new role of Physician Associate. This is a role for which there is formal post graduate training and qualification, though at present the regulation is by proxy via the Royal College of Physicians rather than through a separate body. Victoria describes the benefits of the role in providing better care in the clinical setting as well as the challenges of ensuring universal acceptance and understanding.We hope that this episode furthers the cause.By the way, we play hockey together hence the terrible picture of me.

In the context of a busy cafe Andy describes the ups and downs of creating a digital transformation infrastructure in the NHS over 30 years. Remember the green dot? He reflects on the time it takes to see the benefits of large scale changes but then when you do, how you can be surprised by the results. But as we all know it's hard for systems leaders to keep with the investment programme.We think about how the digital natives will lead us into the next generation of tech supported health care and systems. How small local apps and the big tech companies could radicalise our care and interfaces with providers.This one is full of energy!

Roy offers a commentary on leaders and leadership, the implications of various health policies over a period spanning more than 25 years. How politics can get in the way and his passion for bringing an understanding of what's going on to frontline staff.We talk about the Academy of Fabulous Stuff, now five years old and how this is inspiring teams to share their innovations and learn from each other.......and are we worried about a deal with America?Characteristic straight talking!

One way we can change our systems is by gangs of like minded people persistently getting it right for people with complex support needs. We hear examples of how this can be a major win-win-win for people staff and systems. The power of stories - see https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdjeotwSHwtF602tF6aEOrQ - to keep everyone going and to inspire others to be brave and how measuring outcomes as described by people with support needs and the professionals can help us all focus on what counts.More info here:https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/universal-personalised-care.pdf

Andy describes his work as a thinking partner to those seeking to fundamentally change their approach to delivering statutory services. Derived from systems thinking, he advocates communities of fellowship as more effective than accountability. With a ruthless focus on mission and purpose; considering value through the lens of the recipient; what matters to them. There are two links referenced in the conversation which are shared below. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/commissioning-20-andy-brogan/https://tangledandtrapped.wordpress.com/2018/08/17/the-journey-begins/Andy talks about Commissioning 2.0 as a new way of doing commissioning that creates this community of fellowship across the system. It works as a terms for now even though he agrees that the terms commissioning may well soon be defunct. I think we can benefit from hearing his perspective. As Deming said: 'Help has to come from outside'

The Chief Executive of North Bristol Trust describes the rewards and the challenges of leading a large NHS Trust, including her pride in the people that work there and their amazing commitment to continually improve and develop patient care. Also how hard it can be especially when patients are let down. Andrea shares her optimism that the teams in Acute Trusts are able under the right conditions to work really effectively with external partners to share problem solving and deliver the changes that the whole system needs to see happen.We look at the value of recruiting and training local people into the workforce and hope that improvements in our digital infrastructure create more time for clinicians to care.

Simon, COO at Yeovil District Hospital talks about sustaining improvement, through relentless small changes, putting patients first and valuing their time and best outcomes, thus reducing ED waits and social care costs almost as a bi-product. The value in effective partnership with primary and social care, a workforce that reflects the community and an appreciation of public health and the whole health system.Also - what should we be learning from Rwanda and Scotland?

Paul reflects on his work across different systems and the features that contribute to greater success. He also suggest one method for naming your consultancy. #donttrythisathome

Dr Richard Sandford Hill, aka Dick, talks about his long experience of being a GP and modernising Primary Care and his hopes and fears for the future....oh and who will win this years most important Rugby match. No songs though.

An ex colleague of mine in commissioning, re trained and now working as a Junior Doctor in Care of the Elderly. Sarah takes us through her vision of how care could be better organised and how we might need to corral a whole range of people to galvanise behind it.....and a songon election day.

A conversation with Paul on the terrace outside a busy cafe, in which we hear how his varied career gives him a unique perspective on the challenges faced whilst delivering improvements in the NHS. In particular we discuss the factors that we need to lake account of in working with Primary Care Networks.