Only Human After All

Maxwell Rousell is 20. He's a Digital and Social Inclusion Coordinator. And he's spent three and a half years finding out exactly where he belongs in the NHS. His job is to help patients navigate the NHS app and digital services. He goes to libraries, community events, welfare centres - anywhere people might need help but be afraid to ask. And what he's discovered challenges everything we think we know about digital exclusion. The older generation can't use smartphones? Wrong. Maxwell works with a 92-year-old who knew more about the NHS app than he did when he started. The real barrier isn't age - it's economics. It's access. It's confidence. Maxwell's own journey is a story of finding your place. An apprenticeship gave him his break into the NHS. Andrea became his "work grandma" (his real grandma is a nurse too, and incredibly proud). He tried different roles. He discovered he prefers project work to operations. He learned that sometimes it takes time to find your niche. Outside work, he's a petrol head - German performance cars, race events, talking his grandma's ear off about brake horsepower. But inside work, he's found his purpose: supporting people directly while working on the systems that make care easier for patients. Because that's why we're all here.

In this episode, we meet Colin Dunkley, a paediatrician who specialises in epilepsy. Colin didn’t choose epilepsy because he loved it - he chose it because it was being done badly and families were arriving in his clinic traumatized with nowhere to turn. Twenty years before the NHS 10-year plan talked about prevention over treatment, Colin realised he couldn’t fix epilepsy care from a clinic. He had to change the entire landscape. That meant creating national tariffs so children could be seen in specialist clinics. Building a network of paediatricians across the country. Writing training curricula. Developing courses that now run in countries around the world. And learning that sometimes leadership means making way for others - especially young people whose voices are more compelling than any professional case. We explore why kids keep you authentic, why you have to be emotionally involved to make a diagnosis in epilepsy, how stigma still haunts a condition that affects identity and control, and what it means to give your life to work that blurs into everything else. Colin also shares why he cooks without recipes, lives in fear of repeating himself, and finds refuge in the work when being on microphones terrifies him. For the quietly spoken introvert who comes alive when talking about his specialist subject, this is what revolution looks like.

In this episode, we meet Arron Smith, Specialty General Manager for Theatres, Anaesthetics and Critical Care. Arron came to the NHS just over two years ago from the RAF - with zero clinical background and everything to learn. We explore the two sliding doors moments that shaped his path: being rejected by the police and marines but accepted by the Air Force, and losing his father a year before leaving the military. The care his dad received from Dr Dennis and the ward nurses showed Arron the human side of the NHS - and inspired him to give back. Arron shares what surprised him most about working in healthcare (the iceberg of work patients never see), how military leadership has evolved from command and control to followship, why the best pilots aren't necessarily the best leaders (and what that means for medical leadership), and what it's like trying to bring structure to an organization where you can't pause to fix things - you're fixing the aeroplane while it's flying. From chairing a local sports charity to traveling the country watching Middlesbrough, Arron reminds us that rejection can lead you exactly where you need to be. 

In this episode, we meet Sally Palmer, Nurse Consultant in Infection Prevention and Control. Most people never see what Sally does - and if she's doing it well, they never will. Because the best infection control is invisible. Sally's work runs at 100 miles an hour. Checking overnight results. Investigating outbreaks. Building water safety protocols. Designing ventilation specs for new buildings. Working with charities on antimicrobial resistance that crosses from animals to humans through the food chain. No two days are the same. Get it right and nobody notices. Get it wrong and people die. We explore what happens in labs (Sally recommends everyone visit at least once), why regional teams standardise policies so patients get the same care wherever they go,and what COVID taught us that IPC teams already knew.  From St John Ambulance as a child to wearing countless hats now, Sally reminds us that prevention has always been the mission.

As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2026, this special episode of Only Human After All explores how apprenticeships are transforming careers. We meet three apprentices at very different stages of life and work. Richie is about to qualify as a physiotherapist in his 30s after years of practical experience and self-doubt about whether he had the “right” grades. Lacey thought her university plans had collapsed before discovering an apprenticeship she didn’t even know existed. Vinzlee never believed she was “smart enough” and credits the people who believed in her first. We also speak to Carolyn, our Apprenticeship Lead, about the power of growing our own workforce, widening access and recognising that intelligence is about far more than exam results. This episode is about confidence, experiential learning, belonging and the impact of someone saying, “You can do this.” If you think apprenticeships are only for school leavers, this conversation may change your mind.

In this episode of Only Human After All, we meet Amanda Barrett, a nurse by background who now leads major improvement projects across diagnostics. Amanda talks about her personal journey from ward leadership into project management, and how her nursing identity continues to shape her work. She gives a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the new Community Diagnostic Centre in Mansfield — now open and delivering faster, more accessible tests in a welcoming community setting. Amanda shares the complexities of designing a new healthcare facility from scratch, her passion for patient-centred improvement, and the emotional moments that stay with her from her clinical career. The conversation also touches on her pride in seeing her daughter become a children's nurse, and the value of following your own path in healthcare. This is a thoughtful and inspiring episode about legacy, leadership, and never losing sight of the patient. This episode was originally recorded in June 2025.

In this episode, we meet Jo Freeman, Assistant Chief Pharmacist at Sherwood Forest Hospitals for the past 12 years. When the chief pharmacist post came up, people kept asking why she wasn’t applying. But a colleague warned her about the flattery trap - and Jo chose to stay where she adds the most value. We explore the misunderstood world of hospital pharmacy, the weight of becoming a prescriber, and why being really good in your job is a complete answer. Jo shares how you can walk into pharmacy with no qualifications and build a career to master’s level, why her teenage dream of being a solicitor lives on in her governance investigations, and the freedom that comes from choosing purpose over promotion. For anyone who’s ever felt the pressure to climb a ladder they’re not sure they want to be on.

Andrea finally sits in the guest chair — the second of our holiday specials where the hosts swap roles. James and Vicky ask about the patient whose husband she sat with all night, learning to champion the underdog after her own work-related stress, why joy and mischief matter as much as care, and the sliding doors moment when a young PA changed the entire direction of her career. A conversation about giving the same attention to teams that she once gave at the bedside, staying true to your morals and why being a really good right-hand woman might be the most valuable leadership role of all.

After dozens of interviews, co-host James Thomas finally takes his turn in the guest seat — the first of two holiday specials where the hosts swap roles.  Andrea and Amanda ask about Lego obsessions, losing a Welsh accent at medical school, that first patient who died, learning to delegate without red pen and why wandering through a career without a plan might be the best advice he's ever followed. A conversation about shyness beaten out by medicine, creativity in different forms, inclusion work that matters and bringing your whole self to work — even when it's uncomfortable. Next time: Andrea's turn in the hot seat.

Rachel Gibbons works on reception in histopathology at Sherwood Forest Hospitals. She greets people with a smile, types reports and prepares MDT slides – but her knowledge gained from years in the department has saved lives closer to home than she ever imagined. In this episode, Rachel shares how her understanding of pathology helped spot cancer in three family members: her stepson's rare sarcoma, her own endometrial cancer, and a malignant melanoma on her husband's back. All three survived, thanks to early detection and NHS care. Rachel also reflects on the vital role of admin staff in healthcare, why AI can't replace human intuition, and what it means to work behind the scenes in one of the hospital's most critical departments. A powerful reminder that every role matters – and that knowledge, kindness and paying attention can change everything.

Dr Saroona Haroon is a histopathologist at Sherwood Forest Hospitals and a self-described "detective of the microscope." In this conversation, she reveals the world behind the biopsies – the careful art of diagnosing disease from tiny tissue slices, the three-micron precision of lab work, and the deep satisfaction of solving diagnostic puzzles that directly help patients she'll never meet. Saroona talks about growing up surrounded by microscopes and x-ray boxes in her grandfather's GP practice, following her mother into laboratory medicine, and finding her passion in dermatopathology. She shares how her faith guides her approach to work and life, the importance of halal income, and how she balances clinical excellence with raising a family. This episode celebrates the heroes behind the scenes – the pathologists, biomedical scientists and lab teams whose meticulous work underpins diagnosis and treatment across the NHS. Saroona's infectious enthusiasm for her specialty reminds us why histopathology matters, even if most patients never see the people examining their slides. A conversation about precision, purpose and the joy of work that genuinely fulfills.

Claire Etches has spent 20 years caring for sick children on Ward 25. Two years ago she did something pretty unusual – she started teaching medical students. Not nursing students. Medical students. In this conversation, Claire talks about what it's like being the first nurse in her role at Sherwood Forest Hospitals, demystifying paediatrics for terrified students who've never held a baby, and why sometimes the best teacher for a junior doctor is the nurse who's been doing it for two decades. She also discusses imposter syndrome, the power of someone believing in you and why her signature lemon drizzle might need to compete in a medical education bake-off. This is a story about breaking down artificial barriers, multi-professional learning done right, and what happens when someone taps you on the shoulder and says "you'd be brilliant at this"

In this special episode for Allied Health Professional Day, Andrea and James celebrate the extraordinary world of AHPs with Kate Wright, Chief Allied Health Professional at Sherwood Forest Hospitals. Kate lifts the lid on the 14 professions that make up this vital, diverse workforce — from dietitians and physiotherapists to orthoptists, radiographers and paramedics. Together, they explore what unites these roles: a holistic approach to care, deep compassion for patients, and an ability to bring people back to independence and hope. Kate also shares her own story — from nursing auxiliary in Oxford to Chief AHP — and reflects on moments that shaped her journey: a single inspiring physio, a role she helped to design, and the importance of believing in yourself (and others) before you feel ready. The conversation celebrates what makes AHPs special: teamwork, adaptability, kindness and quiet excellence — the threads that hold our health service together.

Respiratory physician and Associate Medical Director Dr Zahid Noor joins us to share a 35-year story of courage, grit and service — from arriving in the UK from Pakistan in 1989 to mentoring hundreds of internationally educated doctors at Sherwood Forest Hospitals. He recalls the early hurdles of PLAB, culture shock and living on £5 a week for food, right down to the “burnt chickpeas and baked beans” phone-home moment.  With warmth and humility, Zahid explains why “thank you, please and sorry” are the three most useful words for new colleagues, and how conduct and culture matter as much as clinical skill.  He demystifies medical appraisal — a developmental conversation, not performance management — and how five-yearly revalidation reassures the public that doctors stay current and safe.  We also touch on a sensitive shift over time: from education-driven migration to more economic drivers, and why a balanced, humane approach helps patients, staff and the wider NHS. Through it all, Zahid’s message is simple: work hard, support one another, and help people belong.

Fifteen years into paediatric nursing, Tania Bacon is Deputy Ward Leader on Sherwood Forest’s Ward 25 and a driving force behind Greatex — positive incident reporting that captures what goes right so teams can learn from it. Tania takes us inside a 34-bed children’s ward where nurses often care for parents as much as for resilient young patients, and where playful “pink fluffy care” helps reduce fear and build trust. She shares how one night with a septic baby became a turning point, prompting nurses to train in bloods and cannulation and proving that celebrating excellence can change practice. Through fellowships and “side quests” Tania has found her voice as a leader who chooses bedside influence over climbing the ladder. Warm, honest and energetic, this is leadership made human.

Brent Gillicker is a registered Operating Department Practitioner who once served as a Royal Navy submariner. He talks about bringing submarine-honed resourcefulness into theatres, expanding the ODP role as a surgical first assistant, and why details like a neat suture line matter to patients. Brent shares a simple idea that speeds change — his “iterative meeting” — and a leader-leader mindset inspired by Turn the Ship Around. We also explore the Armed Forces support network at Sherwood, mental health first aid, and the power of tenacity and apprenticeships to open NHS careers.

Irvine Makani’s story is one of transformation, resilience, and heart. Trained in aerospace engineering and once dreaming of becoming a pilot, Irvine’s life took an unexpected turn following personal loss—and led him into nursing. In this powerful conversation, he reflects on his journey from South Africa to Zimbabwe to the UK, shares what it’s really like working on the frontline of emergency care, and opens up about race, identity, and finding belonging in the NHS. With wisdom, honesty, and humility, Irvine speaks about the emotional toll of abuse in healthcare, the power of professional kindness, and what it means to lead by example—even when the job is tough.

Jodie Ward never planned to become a nurse. She joined the hospital as a hostess, delivering meals to patients — until one day, she overheard a nurse calming a distressed family and thought, “I want to do that.” In this heartwarming episode, Jodie takes us on her extraordinary journey from dinner trolley to children’s ward rising through the ranks as a single parent, becoming one of our first paediatric nursing associates and finally qualifying as a registered children’s nurse. She talks with humour and honesty about bringing joy into dark situations, why she decorates the ward with eight Christmas trees, the power of play, glitter, and sick bowls worn as hats and the people who believed in her when she almost gave up. It’s a story of compassion, creativity, and courage — and proof that sometimes, the best nurses are the ones who never saw it coming.

In this inspiring episode of Only Human After All, we meet Dr Neelakshi "Neela" Armugam – Radiology Registrar, newly appointed Chief Registrar and all-round warm and wise presence at Sherwood Forest Hospitals. Neela shares her fascinating journey from a Mauritian family of nurses to becoming a doctor in a specialty she clearly loves. She opens up about her hopes for junior (or rather, “resident”) doctors, the importance of being seen and valued, and the power of food, gardening, and cake to build belonging.

In this inspiring episode, we meet Nicki Williams, a passionate and compassionate arrhythmia nurse specialist who opens up about her journey through cardiology, patient advocacy and life as a mum navigating serious health challenges at home. From supporting patients with complex heart rhythms and life-limiting conditions to her powerful volunteer work with POTS UK including a recent visit to Parliament, Nicki shares how listening, educating and empowering are at the heart of everything she does. We explore how she turned early career rejection into a thriving vocation, why she’s aiming for a PhD and how her experiences as a parent of a child with life-threatening allergies have deepened her commitment to patient-centred care. It’s a conversation full of warmth, wisdom and a few chickens—don’t miss it.

In this episode of Only Human After All, we meet Amanda Barrett, a nurse by background who now leads major improvement projects across diagnostics. Amanda talks about her personal journey from ward leadership into project management, and how her nursing identity continues to shape her work. She gives a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the new Community Diagnostic Centre in Mansfield, a project that will deliver faster and more accessible tests in a welcoming community setting. Amanda shares the complexities of designing a new healthcare facility from scratch, her passion for patient-centred improvement, and the emotional moments that stay with her from her clinical career. The conversation also touches on her pride in seeing her daughter become a children’s nurse, and the value of following your own path in healthcare. This is a thoughtful and inspiring episode about legacy, leadership, and never losing sight of the patient.

This week on Only Human After All, we meet Tom Palmer—an NHS financial controller with a surprising story. Tom shares how a love of maths and a leap into a finance apprenticeship led him into a decade-long NHS career. Along the way, he’s learned that good financial leadership isn’t about saying no—it’s about working alongside clinical teams to enable better care. He opens up about being an introvert in a collaborative world, overcoming a childhood stammer, and finding pride in helping turn spreadsheets into scanners and ideas into impact. This is a warm, honest conversation about values, self-belief, and the quiet power of doing your job with integrity

In this episode, we meet Janine Foxhall, the Associate Director of Operations for Urgent and Emergency Care. Join us as we explore Janine's journey from studying languages to an unexpected career in the police force and her vital role in ensuring smooth patient flow through the hospital. Discover the intricate balance Janine and her team maintain, coordinating with various partners to facilitate efficient patient discharge, while prioritizing their well-being and personal needs. Janine shares her insights on the human element of healthcare, emphasizing the significance of understanding individual stories and maintaining seamless communication within the hospital environment. From her language immersion in France to her diverse experiences with international police forces, Janine's narrative offers a compelling look at the unexpected paths life can take. Tune in to hear more about the fascinating journey of someone who combines passion with purpose in the world of healthcare, illustrating that at the core, we're all only human after all.

In this episode, hosts James Thomas and Andrea Clegg sit down with Laura Fisher, Head of Operational Change for the Digital Electronic Patient Records Programme at Sherwood Forest Hospitals. Laura’s story is one of transformation — both personal and organisational. Starting out as an Operating Department Practitioner, she now plays a key role in leading the trust through one of its biggest shifts: the move from paper to digital. But behind the systems and strategy is a story about people — about bringing staff with you, overcoming doubt, and making change feel possible. This is an honest conversation about the challenges of digitalisation in the NHS, the resistance that often comes with it, and why empathy and communication matter just as much as technology. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to make progress in healthcare — this episode is for you.

In this episode of "Only Human After All," hosts James Thomas and Andrea Clegg delve into the inspiring journey of Liz Franklin, a hospital chaplain who enriches lives at Sherwood Forest Hospitals. Discover how Liz transitioned from a career in social work and mental health to becoming ordained in the Church of England. Through candid conversations, Liz shares her unique path to chaplaincy, highlighting the integral role of spirituality and holistic care in supporting patients and staff. Her story sheds light on the joys and challenges of being a chaplain in a hospital environment, emphasizing the importance of empathy, resilience, and connection. Join us as we explore how faith and personal experiences shape the way Liz touches lives and learn about the profound impact of seeing the person beyond the patient, reminding us that in healthcare, everyone is "only human after all."   HnZy9swGh3Cj8XEvYNg2

In this episode of Only Human After All, hosts James Thomas and Andrea Clegg sit down with John Tansley, the Clinical Director for Patient Safety—a man on a mission to transform how hospitals approach safety. John shares his journey from anaesthetist to patient safety specialist, revealing how his passion for systems thinking and problem-solving led him to step away from direct clinical care and into a role that reshapes how hospitals learn and improve. He challenges the old blame culture and champions a more systemic, forward-thinking approach. With candid reflections on the emotional shifts of leaving frontline medicine, John highlights the profound impact of fostering a just culture—one where learning from successes is just as valuable as examining mistakes.  At its heart, this episode is a reminder that healthcare is built on human effort—imperfect, fallible, and deeply committed. John explores why true patient safety isn’t about eliminating error entirely but about creating an environment where people can acknowledge mistakes, learn from them, and ultimately provide safer, better care.

In this episode of Only Human After All, hosts James Thomas and Andrea Clegg sit down with Andros, a Mexican-born Communications Officer at Sherwood Forest Hospitals. Andros shares his inspiring journey from Cancun to the UK, offering insight into the power of storytelling in healthcare. Passionate about bridging generational and cultural gaps, he reveals how creativity and effective communication can transform patient experiences and workplace culture. This uplifting conversation sheds light on the often-unseen roles that keep the NHS running and the importance of embracing diversity in healthcare. Don’t miss this inspiring story of ambition, resilience, and making a difference.

Welcome to the latest episode of Only Human After All, where we delve into the lives of those who work behind the hospital doors. Join hosts James Thomas and Andrea Clegg as they introduce Vicky Malia, the Divisional Lead for Operational Development and Engagement within the Surgery Division. In this episode, Vicky shares her unique journey into her niche role, offering insights into the impact of non-clinical staff in healthcare. From fostering strong relationships to staying connected with the patient experience, Vicky's role is vital in supporting the clinical staff and ensuring effective healthcare delivery. Learn about Vicky's career path, the challenges and rewards of working in a non-linear job, and how personal experience shapes her approach to hospital management. This is an exploration of the essential, though often unseen, roles that contribute to patient care and the overall functioning of our health system.