Safe & Sound: Medicines Safety Month: Episode 1 - NICU Medicines Unplugged

In our first episode of 'Safe & Sound: Medicines Safety Month', we chat to Kirsty Robertson - Senior Specialist Pharmacist for NICU, and Heather Parsons - Ward Sister and Governance Lead for NICU, about medicines safety in NICU. Join us as we explore teeny tiny doses, patient and parent involvement in medicines, and druggles!

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This podcast is brought to you the GOSH Learning Academy. To find more about our work you can visit our website here: https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/working-here/gosh-learning-academy/.

Twitter: @GOSHLearnAcad
Instagram: @GOSHLearnAcad

Download a copy of this episodes transcript!

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• (00:00:00) - Podcast Introduction
• (00:00:32) - Podcast Conversation
• (00:20:50) - Final thoughts

Why Medicines Waste Matters – and What We Can Do About It

In this eye-opening episode, host Caroline Dalton from the Medication Information Team at Great Ormond Street Hospital sits down with Tracy Lyons, Medicines Sustainability Lead and co-founder of Pharmacy Declares. Together, they dive into the surprising truths and staggering statistics, behind medicines waste in the NHS — from the financial and environmental costs to the impact on our workforce.

Tracy shares powerful insights from a large-scale patient survey, revealing how we typically dispose of medicines and what that means for sustainability. This conversation is packed with practical ideas and inspiring reflections on how returning to first principles could help us reduce waste before it even begins.

Whether you're in healthcare, sustainability, or simply curious about how small changes can make a big difference — this episode is not to be missed.

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In this episode, Sarah Ahmed, GOSH Digital Fellow, hosts a dynamic conversation with Stephen Tomlin (Director of the Children’s Research and Innovation Centre and Medicines Sustainability Lead for North Central London ICB), alongside Stacey Moris and Nicola Moodey, Complex Asthma Clinical Nurse Specialists at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Together, they explore the environmental impact of asthma care—balancing carbon footprints with
the challenge of non-recyclable plastics in inhalers. The team dives into the complexities of inhaler
swaps in paediatrics, and why patient-centred prescribing is key to both sustainability and safety.

Highlights include:
- Why switching inhalers isn’t always straightforward in children
- The importance of prescribing inhalers that patients can—and will—use
- A call to action: return unused medications to your pharmacy
- How asthma care can evolve to support both health outcomes and the planet

This episode is essential listening for clinicians, sustainability advocates, and anyone passionate
about greener, smarter healthcare.

Tune in now to discover how small changes in asthma care can make a big difference.

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In this thought-provoking episode, host Nicola Wilson—Head of Education for Sustainability and
Implementation Manager for the Born Green Project—sits down with Erik Ruiz, Lead for Sustainable
Pharmaceuticals at Healthcare Without Harm Europe.

Together, they explore the urgent need to minimise pharmaceutical pollution and protect
against antimicrobial resistance, challenging the idea that we have carte blanche to use
medications without considering their environmental impact. Medicines are essential—but so
is rethinking our lifestyles and systems to support sustainable healthcare.

Key topics include:
- Plastics reduction and the environmental cost of pharmaceuticals
- Wastewater and antimicrobial resistance: what’s really going down the drain
- The role of systemic change in transforming healthcare sustainability
- The prophylactic use of antibiotics in food production and its global implications
- Collaborating with industry for transparency in environmental data

This episode is a must-listen for healthcare professionals, sustainability advocates, and anyone
interested in the intersection of medicine, environment, and ethics.

Tune in now to learn how we can protect both human health and the planet.

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In this insightful episode, host Stephen Tomlin—Director of the Children’s Research and Innovation
Centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital and Medicines Sustainability Lead for North Central London
ICB—joins Caroline Dalton from the Medication Information Team at GOSH to explore how digital
innovation and informed prescribing can benefit both patient safety and the environment.
Together, they dive into:
- The digitalisation of prescribing: safer for patients, better for the planet
- Why consistent environmental data on medications matters for clinical decisions
- How medicines optimisation supports sustainable prescribing and improves outcomes
- The power of education and even gamification in helping patients take their medicines well

From practical strategies to forward-thinking ideas, this episode is a must-listen for anyone
passionate about greener healthcare and patient-first innovation.

Listen now and discover how smarter prescribing can lead to a healthier future—for people
and the planet.

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In this powerful episode, host Stephen Tomlin—Director of the Children’s Research and Innovation Centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital and Medicines Sustainability Lead for North Central London ICB—sits down with the inspiring Minna Eli, Advanced Pharmacy Practitioner and co-founder of Pharmacy Declares.

Together, they unpack the staggering fact that 25% of the NHS’s carbon footprint comes from medications. But this isn’t just about numbers—it’s about actionable change. From prescribing habits to procurement decisions, Stephen and Minna explore how clinicians can make a real difference in reducing environmental impact.

Topics include:
- How we use, choose, and manage medicines sustainably
- Why you should never pour meds down the sink
- The Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s sustainability toolkit

Whether you're a healthcare professional or simply passionate about greener healthcare, this
episode offers practical insights and inspiring ideas to help drive change.

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In this series of GOSH pods goes Green, we will be exploring Medicines Sustainability and the impact of pharmaceuticals on our environment. In this introductory episode Sarah Ahmed, GOSH Digital Fellow, talks to Stephen Tomlin—Director of the Children’s Research and Innovation Centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital and Medicines Sustainability Lead for North Central London ICB.

They give us an overview of the series and what we can expect including:
- the overarching principles of medications sustainability,
- using meds well
- safer pharma
- our use of inhalers
- waste and disposal of pharmaceuticals

Document links:

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In this episode of Making the GRID, join host Dr Ahmed Elmakki as he sits down with two inspirational paediatricians who have successfully navigated the competitive UK GRID (Growth, Recruitment and Development) training pathway as International Medical Graduates (IMGs).

Our guests, Dr Ehinomen Imoisili (ST5 Paediatric Trainee, soon to begin a GRID post in Paediatric Gastroenterology) and Dr Ogechukwu Okpala (ST8 Paediatric Neurology GRID Trainee), share their experiences, challenges, and practical tips for IMGs considering or preparing for the Paediatric GRID applications.

Listeners can expect:

• First-hand insights into the GRID application process
• How to strengthen your portfolio and tailor your training journey
• Navigating the unique challenges faced by IMGs in the GRID interview preparation
• Advice on interviews, timing, mentorship, and staying motivated

Whether you're just starting ST training or actively planning for GRID, this conversation is packed with valuable guidance, relatable stories, and encouragement to help you take the next step in your paediatric subspecialty journey.

We would love to get your feedback on our podcasts, or your suggestions for future topics. Please help us by filling out our feedback survey at: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/GOSHpodcasts/

This podcast is brought to you the GOSH Learning Academy. To find more about our work you can visit our website here: https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/working-here/gosh-learning-academy/.

Twitter: @GOSHLearnAcad
Instagram: @GOSHLearnAcad

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