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Stories of Safety is a podcast that delves into the stories, science, and policy that have shaped health care safety. Hosted by patient safety researcher Professor Jane O’Hara, and funded and delivered by National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Yorkshire & Humber Patient Safety Research Collaboration (PSRC), this series brings together leading voices from the UK and beyond to explore a deceptively simple yet crucial question: How safe are we, and how can we improve? Through insightful conversations with researchers, patients and families, policymakers, and those on the front lines, Stories of Safety explores the complexity of health care and the challenges of managing and measuring safety. Join us as we navigate the ever-evolving world of patient safety—one story at a time. This podcast has been funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Yorkshire & Humber Patient Safety Research Collaboration (PSRC). The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care. Jane O’Hara is Director of Research at The Healthcare Improvement Studies (THIS) Institute, University of Cambridge, and theme lead for the Safer Systems, Cultures and Practices theme within the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Yorkshire & Humber Patient Safety Research Collaboration (PSRC).

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Check latest episodes from Stories of Safety podcast

Episode 5 - Pascale Carayon

2025/11/01

In this episode of Stories of Safety, we speak with Professor Pascale Carayon, Professor Emerita at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA, and a global leader in applying human factors and systems engineering to healthcare and patient safety. Professor Carayon reflects on the evolving role of human factors engineering, from her early development of the SEIPS (Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety) model to its widespread influence on healthcare system design and quality improvement. We explore how engineering, human factors/ergonomics, and organisational design can be harnessed to prevent harm, redesign complex care systems, and foster safer, more resilient healthcare environments. This episode invites listeners to consider how thoughtful system design can reduce errors and enhance safety. A deep insightful conversation with one of the field’s most respected architects of health care systems engineering.

Episode 4 - Hardeep Singh

2025/10/01

In this episode of Stories of Safety, we speak with Professor Hardeep Singh, a leading authority on diagnostic excellence and patient safety, to explore some of the most pressing safety challenges of the last two decades. Professor Singh discusses the persistent burden of diagnostic error, why it matters, how it affects patients and clinicians, and what can be done to reduce its impact. We also examine the critical role of health information technology, and why patient safety must be central to its design and use. This episode invites listeners to reflect on how healthcare systems can learn from past challenges, leverage innovation responsibly, and move towards safer, more reliable care. A thought-provoking conversation about advancing patient safety in an increasingly digital world.

Episode 3 - Jo Wailling

2025/06/23

Content warning: this episode includes discussion on suicide. In this episode of Stories of Safety, we speak with Dr Jo Wailling, a leading expert on healthcare harm, to unpack one of the most complex and challenging concepts in patient safety. Jo reflects on what we really mean when we talk about “harm” in healthcare—how it's defined, experienced, and responded to by both professionals and patients. We delve into the emotional and systemic dimensions of harm, and the importance of moving beyond blame to foster learning, accountability, and healing. This episode invites listeners to reflect on how we acknowledge and address harm in a way that supports those affected and drives genuine improvement across healthcare systems. A powerful conversation about one of the most human aspects of safety in care.

Episode 2 - Charles Vincent

2025/05/23

In this episode of Stories of Safety, we sit down with Professor Charles Vincent, one of the world’s leading experts in patient safety, to explore how the field has evolved and where it’s headed next. Drawing on decades of research and experience, Vincent reflects on the fundamental challenges of measuring and improving safety in complex healthcare systems. We discuss the shift from simply preventing harm to building resilience in healthcare, the role of culture and leadership, and why listening to both staff and patients is crucial for meaningful change. Vincent also shares insights from his groundbreaking work on safety strategies, risk management, and the future of patient-centred care.

Episode 1 - Shaun Lintern

2025/04/23

In this episode of Stories of Safety, we sit down with Shaun Lintern, Health Editor of The Sunday Times, to explore the vital role of investigative journalism in uncovering systemic failures in healthcare. Lintern shares his journey as a journalist, the ethical challenges of reporting sensitive stories, and the impact journalism can have on public perception and policy. We take a deep dive into his pivotal role in exposing the Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust scandal, the importance of listening to patient and family experiences, and the lessons learned from the public inquiry that followed. Lintern also reflects on the sodium valproate scandal, drawing parallels to past medical failures and the ongoing fight for justice. Beyond investigations, we discuss the delicate balance between holding healthcare institutions accountable and recognising the dedication of frontline professionals. Lintern highlights the need for greater transparency in healthcare reporting and the challenges journalists face in accessing information.