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Ripples

Ripples

By Clare English

This is about the ripple effects that come in the wake of big decisions or events. The current pandemic is having a dreadful effect on everyone but there is one group of vulnerable people it’s hitting particularly hard. Cancer patients. How can they cope when they don’t know if/ when they’ll get their treatment? Are they being pushed to the back of the queue? What else can the NHS do as it is struggling to cope with this unprecedented crisis? I’ll be asking some of the people involved.
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The importance of data for cancer patients

RipplesJun 21, 2020

00:00
37:08
Bye-bye….. for now!

Bye-bye….. for now!

For the #forgotten500k the waiting goes on. In this podcast which incorporates the last in the series of virtual village greens Clare is joined by Dr Lennard Lee and a clutch of familiar faces and voices. On their agenda -updates about Supernova, NICE, UK inquiry, Stravinsky…. yes….but not quite as you’d expect and an intriguing tweet from the government health, Minister .
Mar 06, 202343:32
Post-Christmas catch up… What you need to know

Post-Christmas catch up… What you need to know

We haven’t been live streaming or podcasting for a few weeks so this is our chance to catch up on developments and there have been quite a few! Expert panel on hand to tell us about an imminent NICE decision and the factors that might influence the direction they go in, plus how it feels to be getting Evusheld on a trial.
Jan 29, 202343:33
It’s a wrap… For now :-)

It’s a wrap… For now :-)

We’re taking a short break over Christmas, but we thought it would be a good time to take stock and see how far we’ve come with the campaign to get Evusheld to the #forgotten500K. We’re also casting forward to the future to see where we can take the campaign from here and we will be back early in the New Year. Enjoy🎄
Dec 04, 202258:20
A clinical trial creates a buzz

A clinical trial creates a buzz

There has been so much to worry us in recent weeks but now some good news on the horizon , with the advent of a new clinical trial which will combine the use of Evusheld with vaccinations for immunocompromised patients. We speak to the trial’s lead, Mark Tuthill and the panel responds to some of your questions and concerns.Hope you find it useful!
Nov 19, 202244:48
Stats and Westminster stasis

Stats and Westminster stasis

The waiting goes on but the campaign and the science continues amidst encouraging signs. The prestigious US publication @TIME hails Evusheld, the antibody treatment, as one of the best innovations of the year. And Dr Lennard Lee introduces us to the people who have helped him with a new report showing encouraging stats.All that and a bit of patient politics!
Nov 12, 202248:05
To pay or not to pay… That is the question.

To pay or not to pay… That is the question.

A solution is out there for those who need an antibody treatment for Covid protection but it’s far from simple and not for everyone. As #theforgotten500K await a government rethink on rolling out Evusheld free in the NHS, desperate decisions are being made. Some are having to decide whether they have the finances to pay privately and that means much soul-searching. For patients without the cash they can only wait and hope that a decision will be made before Christmas.So what’s it like to have to weigh up the options? We hear from three patients and the wife of one who tell us what they’ve had to take into account and what it’s cost them financially and emotionally.
Nov 06, 202254:24
November 1, 2022

November 1, 2022

Nov 01, 202200:40
Play it again Sam- post Westminster vigil.

Play it again Sam- post Westminster vigil.

This edition of Ripples was originally played out live stream on Twitter spaces so this is my opportunity to let Ripples podcast listeners hear the panel talk about the impact that the recent Westminster vigil had on the debate to get Evusheld , an antibody treatment rolled out free via the NHS, for #theforgotten500K.
Nov 01, 202241:09
A campaign blitz amidst a political storm

A campaign blitz amidst a political storm

This week’s been a whirlwind of activity- many of us have watched the shenanigans at Westminster through our fingers. We lost a Prime Minister and we’re about to get another one ..,but despite the political turmoil, a campaign calling for the rollout of Evusheld to protect #theforgotten500K blasted its way onto the agenda on Monday morning. Will it change how the UK and devolved. governments act on a roll out? We hear from a senior Scottish Labour MSP. Huge thanks due to Daisy Cooper MP for allowing us to use a key part of her speech at Westminster!
Oct 22, 202231:20
A Westminster debate

A Westminster debate

We decided to try something slightly different on the podcast this week -in fact we hopped over to Twitter spaces to do a live stream following Daisy Cooper’s Parliamentary debate in which she asked the government to reconsider their position on Evusheld, a treatment that could help protect those who have been shielding for 2 1/2 years. It’s an unedited recording… just how it happened… with a fantastic panel of patients, campaigners and scientist.Hope you enjoy it!
Oct 16, 202235:29
The charities and patients groups

The charities and patients groups

Patients groups and
charities are leading the
charge to help support
the #forgotten500k -
long term shielders who
are still not protected
against
COVID.#Evusheld is
being rolled out in 30+
other nations. Why not here in the UK?
Oct 08, 202234:10
Professor Alex – the immunologist

Professor Alex – the immunologist

Episode three already and we concentrate on the health threat that keeps people shielding with Professor / clinician Alex Richter of Birmingham University. She’s well placed to see the plight of immune compromised patients and explains the science behind it all. And yes, there is a solution out there…
Oct 01, 202231:34
The carers.

The carers.

Lockdown isn’t over for the forgotten 500,000.They can’t risk going out and getting on with their daily lives And the stress of such isolation is enormous but it’s a shared stress - those caring for the shielders are paying a heavy price. In the second episode we hear from two of them and check in with Dr Jo Daniels -a clinical psychologist at Bath University who understands what they’re going through.
Sep 24, 202246:11
Ripples: the forgotten 500,000

Ripples: the forgotten 500,000

Back again with season three of Ripples , the podcast that looks at big decisions and major events that impact on our lives.This time the focus is back on Health and the Forgotten 500,000.These are the people who are still shielding as Covid casts it’s long shadow. When can they hope to resume their normal lives when they cannot rely on a vaccination to protect them? Is there another way solution?
Sep 18, 202238:03
It’s a wrap!

It’s a wrap!

In this ( possibly? ) final episode of Ripples#Student2020. Clare catches up with her friends in the final year at Glasgow University. How are they feeling about leaving their education behind and going into the world of work? And how have they assessed their time studying amidst the Covid pandemic?
Feb 11, 202139:07
Two Covid tests and a Christmas wish.

Two Covid tests and a Christmas wish.

The end of the academic year and our students are hoping to get home for Christmas.just one final hurdle to negotiate … covid tests- actually two of them! And if they do make it safely back home on time, what kind of Christmas do the students think awaits them ? Clare and Molly find out.
Dec 14, 202030:09
The college crew.

The college crew.

Great to be back with another episode of Ripples#Student2020- this time we are turning our attention to an overlooked section of student society… college students. They are struggling to continue their education amidst the Covid pandemic ... just like their university colleagues. Clare and Molly consider the challenges and hear from two students and a tutor from South Lanarkshire College.How are they coping and how do they feel about the quality of education being delivered?
Dec 07, 202046:51
This sporting life- not!

This sporting life- not!

As the pandemic persists, students are forced to keep themselves going with what ever means they have at their disposal… In normal times that might have meant taking part in team sports or any kind of activity.But with the current restrictions, none of this is possible.... so how are they coping? We have some new faces this week and a special guest… A former BBC sports colleague. Hope you enjoy the podcast!
Nov 30, 202042:10
“ Well, here we go again…“ Lockdowns make a return in Scotland and Xmas is on the horizon.

“ Well, here we go again…“ Lockdowns make a return in Scotland and Xmas is on the horizon.

In this episode Clare and her co-host Molly hear from some fourth years at Glasgow uni who are struggling to keep focused on their studies as another lockdown is imposed in Scotland.How are they managing the daily grind and ho ho ho - what are the chances of getting home for Christmas?
Nov 23, 202039:21
Episode 2: How are you feeling? Student lives in a pandemic.

Episode 2: How are you feeling? Student lives in a pandemic.

In this episode of a new season of Ripples - #Student2020- we ask where your head’s at? Weird times and we all have different stresses and anxieties as the pandemic continues to dominate every aspect of our lives. What is it like to be studying in this mindset? Are there any up sides of down and maybe even some tips to pass on? Our two freshers are back along with two new contributors and no episode would be complete without the guiding hand of 4th year studentMolly Higgins.
Nov 16, 202001:02:13
X3 Students and Clare discuss The impact of COVID-19 is having on their educational experience

X3 Students and Clare discuss The impact of COVID-19 is having on their educational experience

In this first episode of a new season of Ripples#Student2020 we are turning our attention to students.What is it like to be studying , living and trying to enjoy being away from home for the first time amidst the pandemic? Are students getting a bad rap - they’re limited to online learning and there’s also been some negative media coverage. In this episode -Great Expectations -we hear from freshers and get some sort of perspective from a 4th year student-Clare’s friend and guide- Molly Higgins.
Nov 10, 202047:46
The silent pandemic that’s hiding in plain sight

The silent pandemic that’s hiding in plain sight

This is the final edition of Ripples about Cancer care for the season. We are five months into the pandemic and continue to see the impact that it’s making on so many lives. Time to take stock and see where we are with Professor Karol Sikora, eminent oncologist and constant social media presence, plus four well-informed patients.
Aug 23, 202001:00:38
The editor of The Lancet, Richard Horton on Covid-19 and the impact on cancer patients.

The editor of The Lancet, Richard Horton on Covid-19 and the impact on cancer patients.

I’m delighted to introduce this week’s guest as he’s been in my sights for a long time.Richard Horton is a constant presence on social media - renowned for his forthright commentary on matters medical and political. He has decades of experience as editor of the Lancet and is also a cancer patient. Not surprising then that we had a lot discuss…
Jul 19, 202044:38
The patients’ experience part 2-Lesley and Jo.

The patients’ experience part 2-Lesley and Jo.

This time I hear from two breast cancer patients who vent their frustration with the way the pandemic has impacted on their own treatments and those of many they are in touch with. What are the lessons we can learn?
Jul 12, 202028:58
Lockdown lives - the patients’ experience .

Lockdown lives - the patients’ experience .

In this edition of Ripples I hear from five cancer patients, all connected through Shine - a charity for cancer patients from an age range that spans the 20s 30s and 40s.How are they dealing with the every day challenges and restrictions of lockdown and what effect is it having on their health?
Jul 12, 202038:47
The pioneering monitoring project that started as a WhatsApp group chat.

The pioneering monitoring project that started as a WhatsApp group chat.

In this edition of Ripples we continue the data theme and look at the creation of a pioneering new monitoring project that’s helping cancer patients continue their chemotherapy treatment. Clare finds out more from Dr Lennard Lee and Emma Kinloch.
Jun 28, 202034:02
The importance of data for cancer patients

The importance of data for cancer patients

Data is at the centre of so much of the discussion about COVID-19. Think of those daily press conferences from the government as well as newspaper reports and scholarly articles; our eyes are drawn to the statistics to explain the story of this pandemic. Our actions and health care are determined by what we take from the information so it’s of particular significance to cancer patients. Join me for this 11th edition of Ripples and a great conversation involving Emma Kinloch, consumer lead for NCRI, Chris Carrigan, expert data advisor for Usemydata and James Peach of DATA CAN.
Jun 21, 202037:08
Paediatric cancer services and Covid - 19

Paediatric cancer services and Covid - 19

This week we are looking at a patient group that we don’t hear much of during this pandemic… younger cancer patients . What’s is going on with paediatric cancer services? Are they facing the same problems as the adult sector with operations , referrals and trials suffering? Professor Pam Kearns of the University of Birmingham joins me to talk over the issues facing young patients currently and also future challenges.
Jun 14, 202046:35
Cancer surgery during the pandemic

Cancer surgery during the pandemic

Cancer patients are increasingly concerned that urgently needed operations have been cancelled because of Covid19, with no timescale for rescheduling on the horizon. But is it possible to deliver operations safely as the pandemic rages? We heard from Alison Tait last week- one of the few to have an operation in Edinburgh. So how rare is her experience? What factors are involved when doctors make these decisions? This time on Ripples, I’ve been talking to Professor Mike Griffin of the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh.
Jun 07, 202040:33
Unedited interview with Alison Tait

Unedited interview with Alison Tait

Not many cancer patients are getting operations at the moment but Alison Tait's story is different. This is the unedited version of the interview that appeared on podcast 7 (enclosing a 30 gap with a telephone interruption at 23 mins!!)
May 31, 202037:40
The lockdown operation with Alison Tait

The lockdown operation with Alison Tait

This time we get to hear the amazing story of how Alison Tait had a mastectomy amidst the covid 19 pandemic. She had the operation during lockdown and told me all about the experience… Not all of it as you might think, negative.
May 31, 202034:45
The world renowned oncology expert and a patients’ conversation.

The world renowned oncology expert and a patients’ conversation.

This time Clare hears from World-class oncology expert an avid Tweeter Professor Karol Sikora. He gives his reaction to the recent CRUK remarks about trials been put off for a further 6 to 12 months. Cancer Patients Dr Georgina Morgan and Lesley Stephen discuss the implications of this on their differing personal situations.
May 24, 202041:22
Covid, Cancer and Pharma

Covid, Cancer and Pharma

This time it’s all about patients and pharma. What impact is the Covid-19 pandemic having on treatments and trials? Are there some positive ripple effects? Clare hears from Diarmaid Macdonald of Just Treatment- a patient led campaigning organisation and from Dr Olivia Ashman, Pfizer’s UK Oncology Director.
May 17, 202043:28
Research and the patient

Research and the patient

This time Clare speaks to doctor Susie Cooke from Glasgow’s precision oncology lab (GPOL) about how her cancer research has been affected by the covid onslaught. She also hears from GP now patient Dr Georgina Morgan who has advanced appendix cancer.
May 10, 202043:28
Palliative Care Part 2

Palliative Care Part 2

In this addition Clare continues to look at the problems faced by cancer patients in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Following on from last time, she’s concentrating on palliative care . How are staff coping with the increasing pressure? Andrew Anderson from Maggie’s in Edinburgh talks to Clare about the challenges.
May 03, 202029:24
Palliative Care

Palliative Care

In this addition Clare continues to look at the problems faced by cancer patients in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. What’s happening to their treatment? What support is still there? This time she concentrates on the palliative care sector and hears from Andy Reeves from Marie Curie about day-to-day challenges.
Apr 26, 202034:04
Welcome to Ripples Podcast!

Welcome to Ripples Podcast!

Ripples is all about unintended consequences that result from events or decisions taken.They can be both good and bad.The current crisis with the Covid virus is what I’m concentrating on initially..I’m zooming in on the experience of cancer patients for the first few episodes because their lives really seem to be hanging in the balance as the NHS struggles to cope with the pandemic.I’m bringing together patients ,carers, medics and scientists..I hope that their perspectives and stories will shed some light on a very difficult subject.
Apr 14, 202038:24