As the third-largest clinical workforce within the health and care, allied health professions (AHPs) play a pivotal role in supporting the NHS Long Term Plan. AHPs day is an annual occasion for AHPs in England and now internationally to unite and revel in their contribution.

To celebrate AHPs Day we have broadcast this special episode of The Handover recorded at NCH&C's very first Allied Health Professionals conference held earlier this year. The theme was 'Bringing AHPs together' and we talked to colleagues about what they felt they had learned from the day, and what they feel they could take from getting together and understanding more about the diverse AHP roles across the Trust.

In this episode of the podcast, released in recognition of Armed Forces Day, Group Chief Information Officer Sarah Buchan sits down with Dom, Sharon, and Thomas - members of staff networks from NCH&C and CCS. Together, they discuss the launch of the new Armed Forces Aware network and the vital role staff networks play in fostering inclusion, building community, and supporting colleagues with shared experiences.

Later in the episode, Vicky speaks with Dr. Caroline Kavanagh, Group Medical Director, during the opening of the Willow Therapy Unit. Dr. Kavanagh reflects on her first year in the role, sharing insights into her journey and vision for the future.

Finally, we spotlight innovation in community physiotherapy. Tom Bamford is joined by Kevin Trueman, MSK Business Manager, to explore MSK Community Assessment Days - a new approach that has helped over 600 patients across Norfolk and Waveney in the past year. Tune in to hear how the initiative has evolved and what’s been learned so far.

This time on the Handover:

• We caught up with Helen and Katy whose lives were turned upside down when Katy contracted flu last year. This winter the UK saw a significant increase in flu cases across, with the number of people in hospital in England with flu four times higher than at this point last year. At the same time, uptake of the flu vaccine nationally has been lower than in previous years. Laura talked to Helen and Katy about why getting vaccinated is so important, even if you think you are fit and healthy.

• Tom meets Anita Pisani, currently Deputy CEO and Director of Workforce at Cambridgeshire Community Services, and from 1 April 2025 Group Deputy CEO and Chief People Officer for our new group.