The RCHT Podcast

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.

Creating Social Value from our New Hospital Project

Mike Horrocks joins Peter in the studio to talk about how Operation Cornwall is helping ensure the new Women and Children’s Hospital programme delivers benefits beyond the building itself, creating opportunities for local people, schools and businesses. He also explains why involving children and young people in the project is so important, helping shape a hospital environment that feels more welcoming and less daunting.

Nutrition and Hydration Week 2026

This week it's nutrition and hydration week. Katrina Trevains and Lorna Rooney discuss why nutrition and hydration are such an important part of patient care, and how poor intake can have a real impact on recovery and wellbeing. They explain how hospital teams identify patients at risk of malnutrition or swallowing difficulties and support them to eat and drink safely.