The Week Ender

In this episode of The Week Ender, Rick sits down with Emma Wise, Deputy Head of Nursing for Emergency Medicine, and Toby Slade, A&E Consultant and Associate Medical Director, to discuss the challenges and triumphs in emergency care. They address common misconceptions about when to visit the emergency department, highlight the critical work of triage teams, and explain how the hospital is tackling the pressures of winter, including flu surges and ambulance delays. Despite the difficulties, Emma and Toby share their passion for emergency medicine and the privilege of working with an incredible team committed to saving lives and providing exceptional care.

In this episode of The Week Ender, Rick Strang sits down with Steve Williamson, the CEO of Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, to discuss the tough start to 2025. They explore the recent critical incident, its impact on staff and patients, and how extraordinary measures were taken to manage the situation. Steve shares insights on the incredible response from staff, the importance of working as a team, and the challenges of balancing emergency care with elective operations.

Rick Strang speaks with Julie Mackinnon, Admission Avoidance Lead for Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, to discuss the innovative Virtual Ward program. Listen to how this service is transforming healthcare by providing hospital-level care at home, reducing hospital stays, and supporting patients through remote monitoring and treatment. Julie shares insights into how the program works and its benefits for patients and the NHS.

Rick Strang is joined by Dr. Ian Sturgess, a seasoned geriatrician and urgent care improvement expert. Together, they tackle the pressing issue of hospital-acquired functional decline, highlighting simple yet impactful ways to keep patients mobile and healthy during their hospital stay. They also discuss the importance of hydration, nutrition, and medication reviews, alongside tips to combat the spread of norovirus in hospitals.

In the first episode of The Week Ender, Robin Jones, Chief Operating Officer, joins Rick Strang, improvement lead, to reflect on the hospital's progress in streamlining patient flow. They discuss improvements in timely discharges, the positive impact on patients and staff, and the incredible efforts of teams like the discharge lounge. The episode underscores the value of compassion in healthcare and celebrates the small but powerful moments that make a big difference in patient experiences.