Step behind the scenes of hospital life with Only Human After All, a heartwarming and insightful podcast that introduces you to the extraordinary people who make healthcare happen. Hosted by Dr. James Thomas, a Deputy Medical Director, and Andrea Clegg, an Associate Director of Nursing, this series uncovers the personal stories of the individuals working tirelessly in our hospitals.
Each episode shines a spotlight on a different member of the team, from surgeons and therapists to porters and IT staff. Through candid conversations, James and Andrea delve into their guests’ lives, exploring their childhoods, influences, passions, and the unique journeys that led them to healthcare.
Only Human After All offers a fresh perspective on the human side of medicine, breaking down the barriers of uniforms and job titles to reveal the dedication, humor, and heart behind every role. Whether it’s a childhood dream fulfilled, a life-changing event, or an unexpected career path, each story is a reminder that every person has a tale worth telling.
Engaging, inspiring, and often surprising, this podcast celebrates the diversity of experiences and the shared humanity that unites us all. Tune in weekly and discover the remarkable people who keep hospitals running—because, at the end of the day, we’re all only human after all.
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Step behind the scenes of hospital life with Only Human After All, a heartwarming and insightful podcast that introduces you to the extraordinary people who make healthcare happen. Hosted by Dr. James Thomas, a Deputy Medical Director, and Andrea Clegg, an Associate Director of Nursing, this series uncovers the personal stories of the individuals working tirelessly in our hospitals.
Each episode shines a spotlight on a different member of the team, from surgeons and therapists to porters and IT staff. Through candid conversations, James and Andrea delve into their guests’ lives, exploring their childhoods, influences, passions, and the unique journeys that led them to healthcare.
Only Human After All offers a fresh perspective on the human side of medicine, breaking down the barriers of uniforms and job titles to reveal the dedication, humor, and heart behind every role. Whether it’s a childhood dream fulfilled, a life-changing event, or an unexpected career path, each story is a reminder that every person has a tale worth telling.
Engaging, inspiring, and often surprising, this podcast celebrates the diversity of experiences and the shared humanity that unites us all. Tune in weekly and discover the remarkable people who keep hospitals running—because, at the end of the day, we’re all only human after all.
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."
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.
Step behind the scenes of hospital life with Only Human After All, a heartwarming and insightful podcast that introduces you to the extraordinary people who make healthcare happen. Hosted by Dr. James Thomas, a Deputy Medical Director, and Andrea Clegg, an Associate Director of Nursing, this series uncovers the personal stories of the individuals working tirelessly in our hospitals.
Each episode shines a spotlight on a different member of the team, from surgeons and therapists to porters and IT staff. Through candid conversations, James and Andrea delve into their guests’ lives, exploring their childhoods, influences, passions, and the unique journeys that led them to healthcare.
Only Human After All offers a fresh perspective on the human side of medicine, breaking down the barriers of uniforms and job titles to reveal the dedication, humor, and heart behind every role. Whether it’s a childhood dream fulfilled, a life-changing event, or an unexpected career path, each story is a reminder that every person has a tale worth telling.
Engaging, inspiring, and often surprising, this podcast celebrates the diversity of experiences and the shared humanity that unites us all. Tune in weekly and discover the remarkable people who keep hospitals running—because, at the end of the day, we’re all only human after all.
