Hiraya: A Nurse’s Journey from the Philippines to Cornwall

Hiraya: A Nurse’s Journey from the Philippines to Cornwall

In this special episode, we’re celebrating Filipino Cultural Appreciation Month and exploring this year’s theme: Hiraya, a beautiful Filipino word that represents hope, imagination, and the courage to realise your dreams. Peter Young is joined by Paola Pilapil, a Clinical Practice Educator at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, who shares her inspiring journey from the Philippines to Cornwall. Paola reflects on what led her into healthcare, the challenges of working far from home, and the role that community, resilience, and culture play in shaping her experience in the NHS. She also shares what Hiraya means to her, not just as a word, but as a mindset in both her personal and professional life.

From Feedback to Action: Inside Our Latest Board Meeting

In this episode of The RCHT Podcast, we’re taking a look back at our latest Board meeting with Chair David Allen and Acting Chief Executive Kim O’Keeffe. We discuss some of the key themes from the meeting, including what we’ve heard from staff through the latest survey and wider feedback, and how that is shaping our priorities over the coming months. Kim shares her reflections from her first Board meeting as Acting Chief Executive, and outlines the focus on creating a culture where colleagues feel supported, valued and able to speak up. We also explore the Board’s commitment to openness and accountability, and how public questions help keep the organisation grounded in what matters most. From culture and leadership visibility to practical improvements across our sites, this episode looks at how feedback is being turned into action and what colleagues can expect to see next.

This is me - A Small Change Making a Big Difference

This week, for Dementia Action Week, we’re exploring how a simple tool is helping staff deliver more personalised, compassionate care across Royal Cornwall Hospitals.“This Is Me” is a short document with a powerful impact, helping healthcare teams understand the person behind the patient, especially for those living with dementia. In this episode, we’re joined by Stephanie, Improvement Practitioner for Falls, Dementia and Delirium, who explains how small details, from how someone takes their tea to the things that matter most in their life — can make a significant difference to their experience in hospital. We discuss the challenges people with dementia can face in busy clinical environments, and how understanding someone’s preferences, routines and life story can improve communication, reduce distress, and support truly person-centred care. Read more here: https://royalcornwallhospitals.nhs.uk/2026/05/08/this-is-me-helping-us-provide-personalised-care/ Download the This is Me form: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/sites/default/files/2020-03/this_is_me_1553.pdf

RCHT Show Season Finale

The RCHT Radio show broadcast for the final time on the 31st March 2026 and in our final show we heard from our freedom to speak up guardians Jo Burton and David Kinnair in the studio to, firstly introduce David as he started the role earlier this month, and talk about the speaking up options available to our staff. Dom Whitting our lead for chaplaincy and voluntary services joins me in the studio to talk about the lead chaplain role, the work of our volunteers, and how festivals like easter impact the work of the team. And on the 21st of April, our chief executive Steve Williamson will be leaving Royal Cornwall Hospitals to take over as Chief Executive at Morcombe Bay NHS Trust. We’ll be hearing from Steve as he reflects on the achievements of RCHT over the past four years and the outstanding staff working here. Also, alongside Steve is Chief Nursing Officer Kim O’Keefe who’ll be taking over from Steve as interim chief executive. The RCHT Podcast will be taking a break for a few weeks but we'll be back with new episodes very soon!

RCHT's New Robot

Last week, Royal Cornwall Hospital celebrated the arrival of its new robotic surgical system. We speak to Professor James Clark who tells us us exactly what this system does, how it can make surgery less invasive, and how this £2 million investment will benefit the people of Cornwall. We also hear from Matthew Taylor from Taylor’s Tyres in Redruth who tells us why his company donated money to the robotic system. And we’ll also hear from our Chief Strategy Officer, Ella Stracey about how the investment meets all our objectives as an organisation.