We have launched a podcast where we invite experts from across our hospitals to discuss health related topics.

‘Behind the Hospital Curtain’ is available now on Spotify.

You can also find it on Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music – just search for ‘Behind the Hospital Curtain’.

Latest episodes

Episode 12: Robotic Surgery transforming patient outcomes

In this episode we hear from patient Richard Cushing who had robotic surgery for bowel cancer and was able to be discharged 23 hours later. We also speak to Mr Mark Rochester, Clinical Director for Urology and Prof Irshad Shaikh, Colorectal surgeon. They discuss how robotic surgery is enhancing patient outcomes and their overall experience. Both surgeons talk about the advantages of using robots compared to traditional techniques, how we are an exemplar site in this field, and what the future of robotic surgery could involve.

Episode 11: Why I volunteer for my local hospital

As National Volunteers’ Week celebrates 40 years of volunteering across the country, we speak to one of our amazing volunteer drivers Gerald Bradley. He explains why he decided to volunteer for us, what he does, and how rewarding he finds it. We also speak to Sally Dyson, our Voluntary Services Manager, about the huge range of volunteer opportunities available at NNUH. Plus we have details of a special Showcasing Volunteering event taking place at the hospital during National Volunteers’ Week.

Episode 10: Supporting patients with dementia and their carers

In this episode we speak to Liz Yaxley, our Dementia Services Manager, and Jamie Artherton-Howlett, a Senior Dementia Support Worker, about the additional support the team gives to patients at NNUH who are living with dementia. They also explain how carers and relatives are involved in the patients’ care and supported by our staff. We also preview what will be taking place at this year’s Dementia Fayre being held at the hospital on 20 May.

Episode 9: Celebrating 170 years of the Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital

On 3 April 1854, it opened its doors to its first patients thanks to a generous donation from the famous opera singer Jenny Lind. It was only the second children’s hospital in the country at the time, the first being Great Ormand Street Hospital. Today our clinicians provide specialist services to children and young people across East Anglia and beyond.

In this episode, find out more about the hospital’s history and our ambition for the future from Dr Richard England, Paediatric Surgeon and Dr Priya Muthukumar, Chief of Service and Consultant Neonatologist. We also speak to a nurse who has worked at the JLCH for an incredible 32 years about the changes he has seen during his time here.

Episode 8: The importance of health research

In this episode we speak to our lead research nurse for commercial and strategic partnerships at the NIHR Norfolk Clinical Research Facility, Louise Coke, and Amy Nichols, Senior Clinical Research Nurse in the Women’s and Children’s team at NNUH. We discuss the benefits of health research, how patients can get involved and some of the challenges in recruiting participants.

If you would like to register your interest to take part in a research trial visit https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/

Episode 7: Navigating Cancer Care

Ahead of an event to mark World Cancer Day we speak to Bethan Phillips, Macmillan Information Manager, about the world class cancer services we provide to over 6000 patients every year, and the support available to patients and their loved ones in Norwich and Cromer. World Cancer Day takes place every year on 4 February and aims to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection and treatment. The Cancer Services team have organised a talk titled ‘Reflecting Together on Cancer Care’ which aims to demystify the cancer process. Visitors will follow a fictional patient through a generic cancer pathway from GP referral, to investigation, diagnosis and on to treatment.

Episode 6: Striving for sustainable healthcare

In our latest podcast episode we discuss what we are doing as a Trust to improve sustainability. Our guests are Ellen Goodwin, Sustainability Manager, and Emma Jarvis, Environmental Arts Manager. We discuss the NNUH green plan, small steps both staff and patients and visitors can make to help us become more sustainable, and how we are improving biodiversity across our sites. We cover topics including transport, waste, technology and how we are working with suppliers to make more sustainable choices.

Episode 5: Transforming healthcare through the Virtual Ward

Technology is enabling us to offer more and more virtual services, freeing up space at our hospital for the sickest patients and giving people a choice over where they receive their care. In our latest podcast episode we interview Claire Beard, our Virtual Ward Manager. You can find out how our virtual ward works, from the technology used, to who can be cared for, and how, since it’s introduction we have saved over 24,000 bed days at our busy hospital.

Episode 4: ED nurses – have you got what it takes?

In the fourth episode of Behind the Hospital Curtain we talk to two of our emergency nurses who have recently featured on national television in ‘Emergency Nurses: A&E Stories’. We hear from Gemma Wright, Paediatric Nurse who works in CHED, and Rebecca Stopp, Deputy Sister and Practice Educator. We discuss why they chose careers in emergency nursing, what it takes to be an A&E nurse, and Gemma shares how she had to put her nursing skills to the test when her mum had a cardiac arrest.

Episode 3: Giving the gift of life through organ donation

In this episode we mark Organ Donation Week by hearing Charlotte and Lucy Hornby’s story. Charlotte’s husband, and Lucy’s dad, Andy, was in a road traffic collision, and sadly they were given the news he would not survive. We talk about what happened and the decision to donate Andy’s organs, which went on to transform the lives of three people. We’re also joined by Natalie Ashley, Specialist Nurse for Organ Donation, who tells us more about the organ donation process, and her role. Our heartfelt thanks to Charlotte and Lucy for sharing their experience.

Episode 2: From maths teacher to midwife – maternity services overview

We hear from Vicky Mash, former maths teacher turned midwife! We discuss everything you need to know about our maternity services, from what to do when you discover you are pregnant, what to expect at antenatal appointments, what to do if there are any concerns during pregnancy, labour options and postnatal care.

Episode 1: We all need a rock – maintaining our wellbeing 

We speak to Head of Spiritual Healthcare, Adrian Woodbridge, and Beth-Anne Mancktelow, Senior Health and Wellbeing Practitioner to discuss what impacts our wellbeing and the simple steps we can all take to look after ourselves. We discuss spirituality and what that means to different people, and the importance of connecting with others. There are simple tips we can all take to improve our wellbeing, plus advice on how to talk about your wellbeing if you’re finding things difficult.