In this special episode released for #MedSafetyWeek, Clare Howard (Clinical Lead for the Health Innovation Network's Polypharmacy Programme) is joined by Dr Lucy Pollock, author and Consultant Geriatrician at Somerset Foundation NHS Trust.

Together, they explore the realities of prescribing for an ageing population as the post-war baby boom generation turns 80. Clare and Lucy look behind the statistics showing that up to 1 in 5 emergency hospital admissions in over-65s are medication-related - 80% of which are avoidable - and discuss what this means at hospital "front doors" and across primary care.

From untangling common prescribing cascades to shifting from "prescribing at" to "prescribing with" patients, this episode provides essential insights for prescribers, patients, and carers alike. The conversation reinforces the core MedSafety Week message: “Side effects: don’t ignore them, report them”.

Programme notes

Lucy Pollock: The Book About Getting Older

Health Innovation Network resources:

• Preventing Problematic Polypharmacy programme
• Resources to support patients having a Structured Medication Review
• Care home resources to support patients having a Structured Medication Review
• Patient responses to Structured Medication Review resources (video)
• The mechanics of tackling overprescribing and problematic polypharmacy – featuring the BRAN framework (Benefits, Risks, Alternatives and (doing) Nothing

Other resources:

British Geriatrics Society: Pragmatic prescribing

• GP Evidence
• NHS Scotland: 7-Steps review process
• #MedSafetyWeek 2026

Got feedback or an idea for a future programme?

Contact us at healthinnowest.communications@nhs.net or via our socials: Instagram, LinkedIn or Bluesky

Find out more about Health Innovation West of England

To mark Black Maternal Mental Health Week UK 2026, themed "Joy, Journey, Justice", Ann Remmers, Clinical Lead for Black Maternity Matters, hosts a deeply reflective and empowering conversation with Illiyin Morrison: midwife, birth trauma specialist, author of The Birth Debrief, and Great British Bake Off 2024 contestant.

In this episode, Illiyin explores her personal transition from clinical midwifery to establishing an independent birth debrief and perinatal trauma reflection service. Together, Illiyin and Ann examine how advocacy, motherhood, and mentorship intersect, address the realities of systemic racism in maternity care, and discuss why sustainable progress comes from "chipping away" at structural inequalities through local action, intention, and community spaces.

Key discussion highlights:

• The transition to birth debriefing: Illiyin shares why she stepped away from clinical practice and how documenting her own healing journey led to creating a structured listening and debrief framework for perinatal trauma.
• Midwife, mother, mentor: Exploring how advocacy underpins every role Illiyin holds, alongside her perspective on overcoming imposter syndrome by competing only with the best version of oneself.
• Nourishment and self-care: How cooking and baking serve as a crucial emotional and therapeutic outlet when processing heavy traumatic stories.
• Writing The Birth Debrief: The intention behind her book and why including dedicated chapters on Black maternal mortality was essential to equip readers with tools rather than fear.
• Chipping away at systemic disparities: A candid look at why maternity care disparities persist, why the current healthcare system operates as designed, and why hope lies in small, dedicated communities like Black Mothers Matter.
• Activating change and legacy: How spoken word and active listening inspire individuals to step out of passivity and remain engaged in driving change.
• Recommended resources: Why Illiyin recommends We Live for the We by Dani McLean and the healing power of immersing oneself in Black romance and melanated joy to counter negative societal messaging.

Programme notes

• Black Maternity Matters
• Illiyin Morrison
• The Birth Debrief by Illiyin Morrison
• We Live for the We by Dani McLean
• Black Mothers Matter
• Connect with Illiyin Morrison on socials: Instagram and LinkedIn
• Connect with Black Maternity Matters on socials: Instagram and LinkedIn

Got feedback or an idea for a future programme?

Contact us at healthinnowest.communications@nhs.net or via our socials: Instagram, LinkedIn or Bluesky

Find out more about Health Innovation West of England

In this episode of West Side Stories, Jamie Jewkes leads a discussion with fellow steering committee members of the South West Evaluation Online Network. Joined by Ruth Barker, Grace Shillito, and Emmanuel Defever, the panel explores the role, vision, and future ambitions of this free virtual group dedicated to health and social care evaluation.

They explore what unique perspectives they bring to the network, from clinical pragmatism and early-career views to mid-career curiosity, and reflect on building a safe space for peer learning.

They also look ahead to future priorities for the network, including answering the big "so what?" of evaluation findings, championing the value of timely real-world evidence, and driving inclusive public and patient engagement in evaluation.

Contributors:

• Jamie Jewkes – Project Support Officer, Health Innovation West of England
• Ruth Barker – Senior Insights Manager, Health Innovation West of England
• Grace Shillito – Evaluation Researcher, Health Innovation South West
• Emmanuel Defever – Evaluation Programme Coordinator, Health Innovation Wessex

Programme notes

Evaluation Online Network

EON on Bluesky

EON on LinkedIn

Get in touch by email: healthinnowest.evaluation@nhs.net

Got feedback or an idea for a future programme?

Contact us at healthinnowest.communications@nhs.net or via our socials: Instagram, LinkedIn or Bluesky

Find out more about Health Innovation West of England