Stories and insights from Combined Healthcare NHS Trust

Join Kyle as he walks around the Long Service Award event, speaking to staff about their experiences, their careers in the NHS, and what's kept them at the Trust or in the NHS for so many years. From reflections on how things have changed for the better to the funny stories that stay with them, this episode captures the voices of those who've dedicated decades to improving healthcare and supporting others.

In this episode, we delve into a quality improvement project that transformed the resuscitation trolley system at our trust, saving over £7,500. What began as a problem with 14 separate orders for the same supplies—where items, like airways, were purchased in boxes of 50 when only one was needed—became an opportunity to streamline the process and reduce waste. By centralising stock and improving the ordering system, we eliminated unnecessary duplication and ensured better efficiency

Welcome to Episode 93 of the Combinations Podcast, where we dive into the incredible work of the Elevate Youth Council—a passionate group within Children's and Adolescent Services made up of ex-service users and young people dedicated to improving mental health services across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. In this episode, host Kyle is joined by Kirsty and Sabrina, who support the council from within the Trust, along with four inspiring youth members who all aspire to work in mental health and the NHS. The Elevate Youth Council was created for young adults who want to make a real difference—shaping the future of care and well-being for generations to come. To learn more about the council and their work, visit elevateyouthcouncil.org.

In today's episode of The Combination Podcast, we're diving into the exciting relaunch of the Combined Charity and how the incredible staff at Combined are coming together to raise money this year. Join Liz, Rob, and Terri-Anne as they share their roles within the charity, the impact of their work, and the amazing fundraising events happening across the trust. Charity Page - https://www.combined.nhs.uk/about/combined-charity/#:~:text=Combined%20Charity%20is%20a%20registered,Staffordshire%20Combined%20Healthcare%20NHS%20Trust. Just Giving - https://www.justgiving.com/nsch-nhstrust

In this episode of The Quality Show, Kenny Laing is joined by Vickie Washington for an discussion on strengthening child protection in our communities, as they explore the key challenges facing child safety today, Vickie also shares insights into her latest project, a Quality Improvement (QI) initiative designed to enhance child protection efforts. She explains how this initiative aims to drive real change by implementing better safeguarding practices and fostering a more proactive approach within communities

In this episode of the Combinations Podcast, host Kyle speaks with Rachel, Sherrine, and a guest from the Royal College of Psychiatrists to explore the Culture of Care—a new initiative being introduced across the wards at Harplands. This project is all about bringing staff and patients together to build a more compassionate, collaborative approach to care.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the Combinations Podcast, we sit down with Mike who writes under the pen name of ‘Max Austin'. Mike is a gay nurse, husband, adopter, father and author. With breathtaking honesty, he shares his truth of the LBGTQIA+ experience set against the backdrop of changing hospital life and wider society. What happens when you just don't want to say goodbye? But sometimes in life, you must lose everything to find out what you actually need. ‘That Is What We Are' is the sequel to Mike's raw and emotional bio-fictional memoir, ‘How Can We Be Wrong?' Some listeners may find parts of this conversation difficult, as Mike talks about the highs and lows of his career and how those moments inspired his story. Through his eyes, we experience the emotional roller coaster of being a gay man working in health care – the discrimination, the resilience, and the moments of unexpected joy. ‘That is What We Are' is the eagerly awaited sequel for fans of Mike's debut narrative – ‘How Can We Be Wrong?'. His latest instalment is equally as brave and beautiful. Resonating with all who work within the NHS, Mike offers an authentic depiction of our health service, its triumphs and its failures. If you're looking for a story to inspire and remind you what it means to truly be seen, this is the story you have been waiting for. As one of our own staff members, Mike offers a unique perspective on turning his lived experience into a message of hope. Strap yourself in; you're in for a bumpy ride! Website - https://www.maxaustinauthor.com

Join us for an episode of our Combinations podcast, where we explore the impact of going digital in healthcare. In this episode, our guests Lou and Lesley discuss how implementing digital systems can reduce CO₂ emissions, minimise paper waste, and make healthcare more efficient. We'll look at how simple changes, like offering text reminders to patients, can lower the number of missed appointments. Lou shares an inspiring story about working with a blind patient, demonstrating how accessible digital tools, such as screen readers, are helping patients to better navigate platforms.

In this episode of Combinations Podcast, North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust explores their Quality Improvement (QI) approach to supporting carers. Featuring an insightful panel discussion, we delve into the crucial role of unpaid carers, examining how we recognise their contributions and provide meaningful support.

Join us for a special episode of our Cycle to Work Day podcast, where we discuss the benefits of cycling as a healthier way to commute. We'll be chatting with local partners who are championing cycling as a sustainable way to travel, and we'll hear from Staffordshire County Council about its innovative bike recycling programme which gives bikes a second life in the community or strips them down for recycling. We'll also have an insightful conversation with Ben Cooper, the trust's Travel and Transport Area of Focus Lead, who shares his perspective on the environmental impact of cycling. Plus, hear from our very own staff members as they embark on a ride to showcase the practicalities of a green commute and the many health benefits that come with it. Charity Link - https://www.gofundme.com/f/9pa2r3-the-long-commute?lang=en_GB&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=email

Combinations Podcast Episode 85 - A Visit from Texas Students by Combined Healthcare NHS Trust

Join Kyle, Digital Content Lead at Combined Healthcare, and a range of Sustainability Champions on this episode of the Combinations Podcast recorded on Earth Day 2024. This episode follows the launch of the Proud to be Green campaign to focus on the sustainability initiatives that are taking place across the trust. The group discuss quarter one of this campaign with a focus on workforce and adaptations, including the work that has happened so far. They also share their thoughts leading up to quarter two where the emphasis will be on how the trust can be more sustainable in relation to food and travel to and from our sites.

In this episode we spoke to colleagues from Dedalus, a leading international industrial group in healthcare software, about the creation of PatientAide. Joined by Lou Wright from the trust's Digital team, the podcast discusses update 5 of the online tool that allows patients to access their health documents all in one place. PatientAide has been launched this week by Combined Healthcare and aims to put essential information and tools directly into the hands of patients. To find out more, visit combined.nhs.uk/revolutionising-patient-care-with-the-launch-of-patientaide-by-combined-healthcare/.

In today's podcast, we are listening to the majority of people who have been involved in the partnership of the project. Chrysalis, Project Chrysalis is a phased project that is rebuilding our plans to modern standards. The project has been a partnership between Interclass, the project Chrysalis at combined and the ward staff, and managers who work on the wards.

In this episode of the Combinations podcast, join Kyle, the digital content lead, as he engages with a diverse group of guests—Anna, Hector, Veronica, and Boluwatife. Together, they delve into the experience of being champions for speaking up. The conversation explores various avenues for individuals to express their voices, providing insights on accessing freedom to speak up. Tune in to unravel the discourse on overcoming barriers that often hinder staff from speaking up openly.

On this week's episode, Kyle, Digital Content Lead for Combined NHS, is joined by Sustainability Champion and Comms team-mate Molly Mansfield to talk about their visits to three different garden/outdoor spaces onsite across the Trust and how this links in with the sustainability initiatives for Combined. It was great to visit the garden space where staff and service users have been growing their own produce on Ward 6, the play area, garden and in-built trampoline at Dragon Square and the beautiful wildflowers brightening up our Harplands Hospital site. We hope you enjoy hearing from these staff and your podcast hosts, Kyle and Molly, on this episode of the Combinations Podcast.

In this week's episode of the Combinations Podcast, Molly Mansfield, Assistant Communications Officer for North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust, visits The Restoration Shack, a Community Interest Company (CIC)who are also a recipient for Round 2 of the Community Mental Health Transformation Programme grants. Molly speaks to Linda Williams, Founder and Director, as well as a member of the team, Amy, and Rachel Wooliscroft, Community Engagement Co-ordinator for Combined NHS Trust. The CIC is accepting a wide range of referrals from people struggling with mental health problems, people with learning disabilities, and people with substance misuse issues or those experiencing social isolation. The Restoration Shack focusses on upcycling and restoring wooden furniture to a standard where it can then be sold on within the Restoration Shack shop, which is based in the same building as the workshop. To read more about the Restoration Shack, visit the North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust website: https://www.combined.nhs.uk/restoration-shack-community-mental-health-transformation-programme-grant-recipient/

Welcome to another episode of the "Combinations Podcast." I'm your host, Kyle, and today, we're diving deep into the heart of the Darwin Centre, where healing and growth intersect. Join us as we have a compelling conversation with Harry, a dedicated nurse working within the Darwin Centre's children's inpatient unit. In today's episode, Harry from the Darwin Centre walks us through all the small and big tasks that unfold throughout the day within the children's inpatient unit. What's more, this unit isn't just a healthcare facility; it also boasts an attached school where the kids continue their education during school hours. From administering medications and treatments to engaging in therapeutic activities that foster emotional well-being, Harry gives us an inside look into the intricate web of responsibilities that a nurse undertakes within the children's inpatient unit

The first episode - "Why people matter" - features Paul in conversation with Kerry Smith, Deputy People Officer and Steve Jones from Unison, as we discuss the Trust's new People Plan and how we intend to make it a reality. Over the coming weeks and months, "People with Paul" will carry interviews, features, competitions and fun items. We're really looking forward to producing the show and can't wait to enjoy all of the stories and insights we will be able to bring you.

In this episode, which is part of the joint Community Mental Health Transformation programme podcast offering between Combined NHS Trust and Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, Molly Mansfield from Combined NHS Trust visits Staffordshire and Cheshire Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (SCEAP). The episode is recorded amongst horses and goats at Great Eaves Farm in Bucknall, Staffordshire and includes a conversation with Maggie Falconer Drew-Taylor, Equine Facilitated Psychotherapist at the organisation.

Welcome to the 75th episode of our special podcast. where we commemorate the remarkable milestone of the National Health Service (NHS) on its 75th anniversary! host, Kyle, the Digital Content Lead, will embark on the journey as we explore the NHS Reflections exhibition. This unique experience will take us through history of the NHS from the perspective of staff working in the NHS in those times, then its present achievements, and the exciting prospects for the future talk by future nurses of the NHS.

In this June episode of the joint Community Mental Health Transformation programme podcast episode, Eilish Mulholland, Communications and Engagement Officer for Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust talks to Nicola Ball, Specialist Nurse Practitioner about green incentives taking place as part of Green MPFT including the restoratitive power of 'green social prescribing', the development of allotment spaces and gardening therapy.

Episode 73 of "Combinations Podcast" with your host, Kyle, the Digital Content Lead. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the world of clinical audit, exploring both the positives and challenges of this essential service. Join us as we bring together the clinical audit team and clinicians currently using the service at North Staffs Combined Healthcare. We gain valuable insights from both sides of the process, hearing directly from the team themselves and the users of the clinical audit service. Discover the challenges faced and the remarkable benefits experienced as we unravel the intricate dynamics of clinical audit

Join host Kyle in Episode 72 of the Combinations Podcast as we explore the incredible impact of working dogs at Combined Healthcare. Our guests, Ros and Mike from the Combined Trust, share their experiences with Spirit, Ros's guide dog, and Kiara, Mike's emotional support dog. Discover how Spirit assists Ros as a guide dog, enabling her to navigate her daily life and the healthcare workplace with confidence. Learn about Kiara's role in providing emotional support to healthcare professionals and patients, fostering a comforting atmosphere. Listen as Ros and Mike discuss the transformative power of working dogs in healthcare, sharing heartwarming stories and insights into their training. Join us for this inspiring episode of the Combinations Podcast, celebrating the remarkable contributions of Spirit and Kiara within Combined Healthcare.

In this latest episode, Molly Mansfield from Combined NHS Trust speaks to various colleagues who work as part as the Community Mental Health Transformation Programme about the second round of community grants that have been awarded. They are joined by Ben McManus from local charity Wavemaker and Deb Boughey, the Preparing for Adulthood Lead at the Trust, as they discuss the details of what Wavemaker will be doing with their awarded grant money to improve the lives and care of young adults in the community. This is the May episode of the joint Transformation podcast between North Staffordshire Combined NHS Trust and Midlands Partnership University Foundation NHS Trust.

In this episode, Kyle is joined by Joe McCrea, the Associate Director of Communications at North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare, to discuss the exciting new development of Combined Television (CTV). CTV is a cutting-edge communication channel that is revolutionising the way we consume video content. By combining all video and communications into one modern video format, CTV offers a seamless and convenient viewing experience for audiences both on-site and online. Viewers can access CTV content through catch-up, making it possible to watch at their own convenience. Catch Up - https://www.combined.nhs.uk/news/welcome-to-combined-tv/ Online - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClNZhFYTI1OVhtHih5gnO_w

This week's episode of the Combinations podcast focuses on the Community Mental Health Transformation Programme and the role of The Community Foundation in aiding North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust and Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust in delivering two rounds of grants, which have had lasting effects on the transformation programme and various areas of the community. In this episode, you can listen to Eilish Mulholland, MPFT Communications & Engagement Officer, chat to Leanne Macpherson, Head of Programmes at The Community Foundation for Staffordshire. We hope you enjoy!

In this episode, we are excited to bring you a conversation between North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust and Midlands Partnerships Foundation NHS Trust about Serious Mental Illness (SMI) Physical Health with two guests, John Roberts and Ian Saberton, who work collaboratively across both Trusts as part of the Community Mental Health Transformation programme.   The discussion covers how the transformation programme is addressing the physical health needs of people living with Serious Mental Illness. With a focus on bridging the gap between mental and physical healthcare, the conversation explores the highlights for SMI Physical Health work over the last two years of the transformation programme and what is coming up in the future.

This latest episode of the Combinations Podcast aims to raise awareness of delirium this World Delirium Day. Kyle Holloway chats to Claire Tallentire, Rachel Massey and Lucy Powell about the mental health condition and the signs of delirium, discussing the symptoms, those who are more likely to experience delirium and how it can affect their lives. Claire also shares her personal story of dealing with delirium in her father.

In today's podcast, we talk to Reverend Julia Babb, Trust Chaplain, and Veronica Emlyn, Patient Experience Facilitator, about spiritual care at North Staffordshire Combined. We discuss the benefits for service users and staff, as well as inviting interest from any colleagues or patients who feel they they may benefit from this service.

Our joint podcast with MPFT on the Community Mental Health Transformation programme has a focus this episode on involvement and co-production from service users, across both trusts. They talk through why they got involved in the programme and the impact they have made through their involvement.

In today's episode of the combinations podcast, Joe talks to Sam about his journey to becoming a peer recovery worker at Combined.

Our joint podcast with MPFT on the Community Mental Health Transformation programme has a focus this episode on Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Co-delivery. Our guests today are Gary Jones and Lisa Healing. They are discussing the transformation program and the importance it has had on the community, including for our VCSE partners.

This episode of combinations is a QI insider episode with Jane. Jane is joined by Jeanette. She is our guest today from the community hospital alcohol liaison team, this team was created in late 2020 after being delayed several months due to Covid. Jeanette has a long history of working in engineering. However, she has turned her skills to the NHS. And we are happy to hear what she is bringing to the trust in a new way.

Embedding a coaching culture across North Staffs Combined Health Care; NHS Trust. ‘Coaching and Mentoring are learning relationships which help people to take charge of their own development, to release their potential and to achieve results which they value' Connor and Pokora 2007 We are delighted that we have a growing list of qualified coaches and mentors across our Trust to support the commitment of developing and embedding a coaching culture across our Trust. The following podcast provides an overview of how to access 1:1 coaching from the West Midlands Employers Coaching Pool; how to gain skills and develop personal self-awareness form the Coaching Culture Platform, accessible via LMS; and personal testimonies from both coaches and coachees

Combined Wonderland by Combined Healthcare NHS Trust

Joint Podcast with MPFT to discuss older adult's community mental health,

In this special episode about the Community Mental Health Transformation Programme, we hear from Jane Munton-Davies, formerly of Combined Healthcare, Dr Sarah Lunt, and Angie Upton. They discuss what North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust and Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust have achieved in the first year of the Community Mental Health Transformation Programme and what we're hoping to achieve in year 2.

In today's combinations podcast, we talk about the success, stories and benefits that the well-being portal has had on schools and the local community. Wellbeing Portal - https://combinedwellbeing.org.uk

In this latest podcast about the Community Mental Health Transformation Programme, we find out more about the work being undertaken in Involvement from the workstream leads Veronica Emlyn from North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust and Fiona Moore and Kirstyn Marshall from Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

The power of teamwork is brought to life through this conversation between colleagues across Combined Healthcare, Stoke City Council and Port Vale FC - telling the tale of the trailblazing Community Lounges initiative, delivering remarkable results for local people and local communities.

In this latest podcast about the Community Mental Health Transformation Programme, we find out more about the work being undertaken for Young Adults from the workstream leads Deborah Hargreaves, Combined Healthcare, and Michaela Kemp, MPFT. **Correction: The Voice Project, Staffordshire, is referred to in the podcast as being within the VCSE sector. The Voice Project are a dedicated team at Staffordshire County Council responsible for listening to the views of families, parents, carers, children and young people who are part of the Families First Service https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Care-for-children-and-families/Lookedafterchildren/thechildrenyoungpeoplesvoiceproject.aspx **

As part of Freedom To Speak Up Month 2022, we catch up with a group of our Freedom To Speak Up Champions. Combined Healthcare is proud to have one of the strongest Freedom To Speak Up infrastructures in the NHS, with every Directorate and our staff networks represented by a Champion. In this episode, we hear from Rob Sillito, Charles Lwanga. Veronica Emlyn, Corrina Bentley and Rachel Machin about their experiences of being a Freedom To Speak Up Champion and the benefits it brings to the Trust, its culture and its staff. If you need or wish to contact the Freedom To Speak Up team at Combined, you can do so confidentially by email to f2su@combined.nhs.uk

The Edward Myers Unit provides high-quality, effective substance misuse recovery services for people with complex physical and mental health needs. Its NHS-run, managed inpatient detox service achieves outstanding results through its combination of specialist medical care and holistic therapeutic support. The Unit accepts patients from community drug and alcohol services across the UK as well as private referrals. In this episode, Sarah - a nurse at the EMU - and Stephen - a service user explain the benefits the unit provides and share the story of the Positive Discharge Bell - a fantastic idea to support service users as they move out of the Unit. You can find out further details about the Unit at https://edwardmyersunit.co.uk

In this episode of Combinations looking at the Community Mental Health Transformation Programme, we hear from Dr Waheed Abbasi and Dr Murray Campbell discussing Primary Care Networks and the changes happening within primary care to support the community mental health transformation.

This podcast is another QI insider, Jayne as a guest today called Sab Kaur and they will be talking about Edward Myers.

In the combinations episode today, we speak with a range of Guest about the well-being portal, this portal is an essential tool to help anybody understand something that they would like to know in terms of their well-being and health. https://combinedwellbeing.org.uk

As part of the Year 2 Community Mental Health Transformation Programme, we are focusing on a different theme in each month's podcast. July's podcast looks at Digital Transformation and reflects on the collaborative North Staffordshire, South Staffordshire and system work that has taken place so far and will be delivered in the Programme. In this podcast, recorded in the record heat of July, Dave Hewitt, Chief Information Officer at North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust and Martyn Perry, Associate Director for IM&T Transformation at Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, discuss the remarkable advances made in recent years in digital health and digital approaches, as well as the new opportunities opening up for Digital Community Mental Health Transformation with the creation of Integrated Care Systems and Integrated Care Partnerships.

Today we're featuring a great story about a staff member who has not only joined North Combined Healthcare NHS Trust, but has already started progressing her career into leadership. Sarah is a shining example of what our organization can achieve, and we're excited to see her continue to grow and succeed in her role.

Combinations Episode 47 - QI Insider (Improving patient access to repeat prescriptions) by Combined Healthcare NHS Trust

This latest podcast is about the Community Mental Health Transformation Programme and the Population Health/Health Inequalities work that is underway.