Wired for the Weekend

24/10/2024

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP) has won two awards at the Patient Experience Network National Awards (PENNA), which is the first and only awards programme in the country to recognise best practice in patient experience across all facets of health and social care.

The Secret Garden won on two categories, ‘Environment of Care’ and ‘Support for Caregivers, Friends and Family’, with UHP also being celebrated as the overall winner of the evening.

The completion of the Secret Garden in 2022 provided an outdoor space which, for the first time, enabled neonatal intensive care patients, and their families/carers, to experience the benefits of fresh air space. Subsequently, the wishes of a family, whose infant was diagnosed with a life limiting condition, to spend time outdoors with their child, could become a reality. To date, the space has supported over 5000 patients, allowing them and their friends, carers and families to experience the benefits of fresh air therapy.

The Secret Garden is a fully equipped, all-weather, outside space which enables all critically ill patients and their families and carers to experience the sensory, emotional and psychological benefits of a fresh air space.

PENNA selected the Secret Garden as winners across two categories as it showcases the best possible environment of care, from first arrival and throughout, with involvement from patients. Additionally, the space has been designed to meet the emotional, physical, educational and spiritual needs of the caregivers, friends, and families of patients.

Kate Tantam, Specialist Sister in the Intensive Care Unit and Rehabilitation team at UHP, said: “It is a very special place and we are very proud that since opening formally in 2022 we have supported over 5000 patients, loved ones, and staff to feel the benefits of fresh air therapy. Its unique design and innovative utilisation make it a hub for holistic therapy and care in a very busy hospital. A space that has supported patients irrespective of age, and a space that proves that when teams unite amazing things can happen.”

Additionally, Dr Alex Allwood, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Consultant at UHP said: “From my perspective, the opportunity for the team to fulfil a family’s wishes for their dying baby to feel the warmth of the sun on her skin and the gentle caress of the fresh breeze through her hair together as a family was hugely moving.”

Feedback from our users also reflect this, with one user saying: “Our time outdoors with our son in the Secret Garden was very special. We were both amazed by and very grateful for the effort and dedication of the team to make it happen.”

This space offers support across the inpatient care experience, for neonatal, paediatric and adult patients. For our neonatal patients this may be their first experience of the external environment, and for their families, the only opportunity to capture memories in a non-hospitalised space.

To date three families of infants receiving care in the neonatal intensive care unit, have benefitted from spending time in the Secret Garden. Two of these were to create personalised end of life experiences and another to reunite a family whose parent required care in the intensive care unit. These loved one’s experiences are being translated into an academic piece of work as they are keen to share their neonatal experience in the hope it becomes a possibility for families throughout the UK.

The Secret Garden offers all patients a private, calm space to spend time with loved ones, engage with functional rehabilitation, share family events, engage in animal assisted activities and supports end-of-life care.

22/10/2024

Hospital Radio Plymouth recently marked its 55th birthday. One of our early members was Louise Churchill. In this HRP archive recording Andrew Hill chats to Louise about her days in TV and radio.

13/10/2024

Last weekend we celebrated HRP's 55th anniversary in a special show with archive items from our opening night back in 1969 and the launch of our FM transmitter in 2000. Also be careful not to burst your stitches listening to selections of bloopers taken from those occasions when things didn't quite go to plan during HRP programmes over the years. There's also our regular features such as our local song and classic covers and our colleagues at Word On Health are looking this week at the subject of eye infections. Kevin Wadland's contribution this week was an interview with the Portreath of Callington recorded at the town's recent Honey Fair. You can listen to the show below.

To celebrate HRP's 55th anniversary weekend we have a special show this week with archive items from our opening night back in 1969 and the launch of our FM transmitter in 2000. Also be careful not to burst your stitches listening to our sections of bloopers taken from those occasions when things di...

29/09/2024

This coming week, Mon 30th Sept - Fri 4th September, the Harwood House Coffee Bar is being run by the Plympton Parkinson's Exercise Club who cordially invite you to come along and support them.

29/09/2024

Check out this week's show below. Included this time:-
Kevin Wadland finds out about The Cornwall 500 from Steve Webb who is raising funds for Cornwall Air Ambulance;
Serendip Street Kitchen talk about their Sri Lankan Food and their mobile kitchen which attends events such as Launceston Farmers' Market;
Our colleagues at Word On Health speak with Andrew Jenkins who is doing The Big Trek across the four nations of the UK to raise funds for Headway, the Brain Injury Charity;
Our local song comes from the Cutlers of Cornwall;.. and you can put your own music knowledge to the test in our Classic Covers feature.

Wired for the Weekend is a regular programme on Hospital Radio Plymouth, a charity which aims to provide relief of sickness, infirmity, old age and social isolation, primarily by the provision of entertaining and informative radio programmes.

https://www.mixcloud.com/HospitalRadioPlymouth/wired-for-the-weekend-28th-september-2024

This week we hear about two charity fundraising ventures, one for the Cornwall Air Ambulance and the other for the Brain Injury Charity Headway. Kevin Wadland is at the Launceston Farmers Market finding out about Sri Lankan food, our local song is a 'scrumpy and western' one and there's the usual ch...

28/09/2024

On the show this weekend Kevin Wadland found out about Serendip Street Kitchen, who specialise in Sri Lankan food and who often have their mobile kitchen at the Launceston Farmers' Market.

28/09/2024

On this weekend's show Kevin Wadland spoke to Steve Webb who recently passed through Launceston as part of a mission to raise funds for the Cornwall Air Ambulance by travelling the Duchy in his motorised wheelchair. Today (Sun 29th Sept) is the last leg of the journey. Discover more by going to The Cornwall 500.

28/09/2024

On the show this weekend we heard about Andrew Jenkins who 25 years ago suffered life changing injuries. Today he is starting a 1,200km trek across the four nations of the UK to raise money for and awareness of Headway, the Brain Injury Charity. You can read more about Andrew's story and his fundraising mission, plus how to donate to it if you wish, at

This September I’m walking 1,200 km across four home nations to raise money and awareness for Headway - the brain injury association. On August 28, 1999, I...

28/09/2024

NHS staff across the South West recently celebrated the remarkable achievements of staff and volunteers who have won regional categories in this year's NHS Parliamentary Awards, after being nominated by their local MPs.

Lyndsey Withers, a volunteer at University Hospitals NHS Trust in Plymouth, was nominated by Plymouth Sutton and Devonport MP Luke Pollard and was awarded The Volunteer Award.

Lyndsey was nominated for her voluntary work across Plymouth. Aside from her work at UHP as a volunteer and Patient Safety Partner, it also includes her work at the Plymouth University Faculty of Health as a community research partner and Medical School student mentor.

Lyndsey was also nominated for her volunteer work with Plymouth Soup Run and Shekinah’s drop-in centre for people affected by homelessness and other disadvantages, and past efforts with the Salvation Army where, among other wellbeing initiatives, she collaborated with GP and hospital staff to encourage hostel residents to test for hepatitis C.

In a statement The Parliamentary Awards said: “Lyndsey Withers has been chosen in recognition of her dedication and selfless contribution to improving the health and lives of some of the most-vulnerable people in Plymouth.

“She exemplifies the true spirit of volunteerism, dedicating her time to numerous projects that span a number of sectors - including the NHS, primary care, social care, academic and research sectors - to inspire and make positive change for citizens, patients and staff.

“Lyndsey acts locally but her impact has been far-reaching as she is willing to share knowledge and expertise that empower others to replicate initiatives and contribute to research projects, leading to lasting improvements in health outcomes and ensuring that a patient voice is heard at all times."

Lyndsey said: “It’s a privilege to receive the regional award. I care passionately about health equity and hope that the award will give further visibility to local efforts to support the most disadvantaged people in our community and advance our collective ambition for them to lead healthier purposeful lives.”

Elizabeth O’Mahony, Regional Director of NHS England in the South West, said: “Every year, I’m delighted to see our dedicated staff and volunteers across the South West receive this well-deserved recognition.

“I’d like to congratulate every one of the winners and thank all the MPs who have taken the time to acknowledge the exceptional work happening in their constituencies."

All winners will now go on to represent the South West in the national awards ceremony, alongside those from other English regions, at the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster on Monday 14 October.

28/09/2024

Our programme for 21st/22nd September can be heard below.

Listen to Wired for the Weekend - 21st September 2024 by HRP - Hospital Radio Plymouth for free. Follow HRP - Hospital Radio Plymouth to never miss another show.

15/09/2024

In this week's show Kevin Wadland brings us the flavour of the recent Widecombe Fair with material recorded at the event, our local song comes from a charity CD recorded in 2002 to benefit North Devon Hospice, our colleagues at Word On Health bring us an item about High Blood Pressure, we hear about a surgical milestone reached in one of Derriford Hospital's departments and as always you can test your own music knowledge in our Classic Covers feature.

Kevin Wadland brings us the flavour of the recent Widecombe Fair with material recorded at the event, our local song comes from a charity CD recorded in 2002 to benefit North Devon Hospice, our colleagues at Word on Health bring us an item about High Blood Pressure, we hear about a surgical mileston...

14/09/2024

A gynaecological surgical team at Derriford Hospital has reached the milestone of carrying out 200 robotic gynaecological surgeries. Earlier this year, the surgical team carried out 12 hysterectomies over one weekend of intensive surgery, using a robotic approach. DaVinci robotic surgery has been introduced into the gynaecology department over the last two years, and has proved to have many benefits in terms of patient care and surgical capability, as well as time and cost benefits for University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP).

Mr Tim Hookway, Consultant Gynaecologist at UHP, who led the surgical team, says: “Since the introduction of the robotic approach to surgery we have noted significant advantages, predominantly in hysterectomies, but also many other gynaecological procedures.

“Robotic surgery offers a number of benefits including better visualisation, tissue handling and less pain following surgery. The surgeon is offered a magnified three-dimensional view of the operative field, with articulated instruments that finely mimic the movements of the human hand.

“Our DaVinci robot, the Xi, allows us to perform more complex surgery through a minimal access route, but also enables a more efficient use of theatre time, which is a very expensive resource.”

The gynaecological unit at UHP is the first in the South West to implement robotics for gynae use. The robotic approach drastically reduces the amount of recovery time for the patient, compared to traditional techniques. Advantages to this approach include smaller incisions, less pain, fewer postoperative complications and shorter recovery time.

With these advantages in mind, Tim proposed a weekend of intensive surgery – to try to achieve ‘6 by 6’ – completing six hysterectomies by 6pm on each day of the weekend.

“In planning these surgeries, we looked at every aspect of the patient’s journey, from when they walk in the front door of the hospital until they leave. The aim was to maximise efficiency every step of the way. With careful planning, and input from several departments across the hospital, along with support from Intuitive PLC, we had two theatre lists arranged for the weekend of 18/19 May – each with six robotic hysterectomies planned.



“We operated on 12 women who have already been on the waiting list for a long time, and this weekend of intensive surgery allowed us to provide excellent patient care in a timely fashion. I am incredibly proud of the teams working that weekend, and I’m delighted to be able to say that we hit our target of ‘6 by 6’ on both days,” says Tim. “Robotics is a very exciting and cutting edge way of doing surgery. We've now carried out 200 robotic gynae procedures and counting. This is the future.”

Of the 12 patients operated on over the intensive weekend, nine (75%) were discharged on the day of their surgery and were able to recover in the comfort of their own home. The other three patients were discharged early in the morning after surgery, and patients have given excellent feedback about the surgery and their care.

“Throughout the weekend, the dedication, commitment and hard work of all involved was exceptional,” adds Tim. “I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank all that were involved in the running of the weekend – it was (and continues to be) a privilege to work with them all.”

Nicola Harris, who underwent a robotic hysterectomy in 2023 under Tim Hookway’s care, shares her story in this video.

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust is the largest hospital in the south west peninsula, providing comprehensive secondary and tertiary healthcare.We kno...

08/09/2024

This week we hear about Lord Owen's decision to retire from the House of Lords, the trial of a new service at Saltram for sight impaired visitors, Kevin Wadland talks to Leanne Barriball- The Devonshire Shepherdess about her recently published book and our colleagues at Word On Health have an item about Head and Neck Cancer. Musically we have quite an eclectic mix this week and our local song is about the Beast of Bodmin Moor! And of course you can test your own music knowledge in our Classic Covers feature. Why not give the show a listen by clicking below.

This week we hear about Lord Owen's decision to retire from the House of Lords, the trial of a new service at Saltram for sight impaired visitors, Kevin Wadland talks to the Devonshire Shepherdess and our colleagues at Word On Health have an item about Head and Neck Cancer. Musically we have quite a...

08/09/2024

Last week's show can be heard at https://www.mixcloud.com/HospitalRadioPlymouth/wired-for-the-weekend-31st-august-2024/ Mark Ormrod MBE told us about the financial issues faced by those competing in the Paralympics, there was also an interview with Paul Hutchings about the recent Plympton Gardeners Association Summer Show and Kevin Wadland spoke with Milla Magee from Newquay, who is Miss England 2024 - all that plus many great music tracks and Word On Health presented an item about ME.

This week Andrew is chatting to Mark Ormrod MBE about the financial issues faced by those competing in the Paralympics, there's also an interview with Paul Hutchings about the recent Plympton Show and Kevin Wadland is talking with Milla Magee from Newquay, who is Miss England 2024 - all that plus ma...

31/08/2024

On today's show Kevin Wadland was talking with Milla Magee from Newquay who is Miss England 2024. A longer version of that interview is available to hear at https://soundcloud.com/hospital-radio-plymouth/milla-magee

31/08/2024

On today's show we'll be talking with Mark Ormrod MBE who is an Ambassador for the Limbless Veterans Charity BLESMA. You can find out more about BLESMA at

Blesma, The Limbless Veterans, is an armed forces non profit charity supporting limbless veterans in the UK for the duration of their lives. We are proud to provide rehabilitative activities, welfare support and financial help for amputees. Find out more, including fundraising ideas and events.

24/08/2024

On the show this week we have the 2nd set of recordings done by Kevin Wadland at the recent Okehampton Show, our colleagues at Word On Health bring us an item on Lyme Disease, we learn about the importance of hearing checks and how some familiar sayings became misquoted, our local song comes from a choir in Looe and you can test your own music knowledge in our Classic Covers feature. Feel free to check it out below.

This week we have the 2nd set of recordings done by Kevin Wadland at the recent Okehampton Show, our colleagues at Word On Health bring us an item on Lyme Disease, we learn about the importance of hearing checks and how some familiar sayings became misquoted, our local song comes from a choir in Loo...

11/06/2022

On Wired for the Weekend this week Kevin Wadland reports from the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations in Launceston (and we learn who ran off with James Churchfield's sandwiches!), you can test your musical knowledge in our Classic Covers and our local song comes from East Devon shanty group The Tavy Tars. Give the show a listen a listen at https://www.mixcloud.com/Andrew_Hill_Radio_Shows/wired-for-the-weekend-110622/

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