Let's Talk - With Mel Pickup

Hosted by Mel Pickup - In Conversation at BTHFT

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Feb 2026

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About the show

Mel Pickup is Chief Executive of Bradford Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust. In this podcast series, she sits down with colleagues and partners, from across the trust and the wider community, to find out more about them and their contributions to the health and wellbeing of people in Bradford.

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35 recent

February 20, 2026Episode 3520 min

35: Beyond the Physical: Supporting Mental Wellbeing in Cancer Care

Beginning with the powerful reflections of a patient, this episode explores the reality that cancer is not just a physical journey, but a deeply emotional and psychological one. Merry and Mandy discuss what happens in the moments after a diagnosis, the weight of uncertainty, and why the end of treatment can sometimes feel harder than the beginning.They share how Bradford’s Cancer Psychology service works alongside Clinical Nurse Specialists to support patients and families through some of the most difficult conversations of their lives — from treatment decisions and fear of recurrence to palliative care and what a “good death” really means.This is an open and compassionate discussion about living with uncertainty, the importance of communication, and the quiet but vital role psychological support plays in cancer care.

January 23, 2026Episode 3421 min

34: Meena and Razwana Bashir

Discover an inspiring story which is not just a reflection on Meena and Razwana's careers but a reminder of what belonging in the NHS can really look like.

November 21, 2025Episode 3316 min

33: Winter Health

With Flu and other respiratory illnesses already on the rise across the country, Dr Saralaya discusses how vaccination remains one of the best ways to protect ourselves, our families and our patients.

October 24, 2025Episode 3214 min

32: Organ Donation

Join Mel Pickup, Chief Executive of Bradford Teaching Hospitals, for a conversation with David Burtle, Clinical Lead for Organ Donation and Consultant Anaesthetist working across ICU and our operating theatres. David sheds light on the vital topic of organ donation, the incredible difference it can make, and why open, honest conversations about donation matter more than ever.Discover how organ donation transforms lives, and why raising awareness and understanding is key to helping more patients receive the gift of life.

September 19, 2025Episode 3116 min

31: Health on the High Street

Join Mel Pickup, Chief Executive of Bradford Teaching Hospitals, for a conversation with Iain Macbeath, Strategic Director of Health and Wellbeing at Bradford Council, as he introduces the groundbreaking Health on the High Street initiative. Inspired by Barnsley’s successful model, the scheme aims to bring NHS services such as outpatient clinics, diagnostics, and minor procedures into accessible city-centre spaces like shopping centres.Discover how Bradford is leading the way in rethinking healthcare delivery, and why making care more accessible, efficient, and humane could shape the future of the NHS.

August 22, 2025Episode 3022 min

30: 10 Year Health Plan

Join Mel Pickup, Chief Executive of Bradford Teaching Hospitals, for a conversation with Matthew Walmsley, Physiotherapist, who shares how his team is already helping to turn the vision of the NHS’ new 10 Year Plan into reality. From shifting care closer to home, to a focus on prevention and the adoption of digital tools, Matthew highlights how these changes are already improving patient care and shaping the future of the NHS.

July 18, 2025Episode 2919 min

29: Volunteers

Join Mel Pickup, Chief Executive of Bradford Teaching Hospitals, for a conversation with Clare Bancroft, Head of Volunteering, and David Goodwin, one of our amazing volunteers here at the Trust, as they explore the vital role volunteers play in supporting patients, staff, and services. From personal stories to behind-the-scenes insights, this episode celebrates the power of giving time, the difference it makes in our hospital community, and how you can get involved.

June 20, 2025Episode 2813 min

28: Thrive Conference - Panel Session 2

In this special episode, Chief Executive Mel Pickup hosts a powerful conversation recorded live at the 2025 Thrive Conference, centred on the theme "Belonging Throughout the Ages: Past, Present & Future."Join us for an inspiring conversation exploring how we lead with belonging at the heart of everything we do — and how a strong sense of belonging helps us build resilient, effective teams.Dr Saman Khan, Medical Director of Operations, and Faye Alexander, Head of Education, will share their insights on the role of belonging in shaping inclusive leadership, fostering team cohesion, and supporting staff at every stage of their journey in the NHS.

May 23, 2025Episode 2720 min

27: Thrive Conference - Panel session 1

In this special episode, Chief Executive Mel Pickup hosts a powerful conversation recorded live at the 2025 Thrive Conference, centred on the theme "Belonging Throughout the Ages: Past, Present & Future."This inspiring panel discussion brings together colleagues from across the Trust to reflect on what it means to belong in today’s NHS — at every stage of life and career. We will hear from Alida Towns, Education Lead, Abdellatif Mohamed, A&E Clinical Practice Educator and Mortimer Fraser, Clinical Educator about the challenges international colleagues face when they first arrive at the Trust, and what we can all learn from how we welcome international colleagues from around the world.

April 17, 2025Episode 2621 min

26: Bradford Fire 40th Anniversary

Join Mel Pickup, Chief Executive of Bradford Teaching Hospitals, for a conversation with Angela O'Neill, who was a 21-year-old enrolled nurse at the time of the Bradford Stadium Fire and found herself at the heart of the hospital’s response.We will also hear the recollections of Matthew Wildman, the last surviving person to be pulled out of the stadium fire.