In this episode of The Health Change Makers, Jenny speaks with John James, the Chief Executive of the Sickle Cell Society. John shares his personal journey, detailing his early experiences and the influential figures that shaped his perspective. He discusses his time in the NHS, the unmet needs he observed in the sickle cell community and the steps he took to address them. John articulates the ongoing health disparities, systemic issues and the need for wider recognition of sickle cell disease. He also reflects on the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership and the power of speaking truth to power.

(0:55) Introduction
(4:49) John's reflections on leadership
(8:10) Addressing discrimination in healthcare
(16:14) John's work within sickle cell
(24:14) Future aspirations

About the guest:
John James is the Chief Executive of the Sickle Cell Society. The Sickle Cell Society is the only national charity in the UK that supports and represents people affected by a sickle cell disorder to improve their overall quality of life and has been working alongside healthcare professionals, parents and people living with sickle cell to raise awareness of the disorder.

OVID Health

OVID Health is an award-winning, independent agency with expertise in healthcare public affairs, patient advocacy, and communications. Their team builds bridges between the worlds of industry, healthcare, and the public sector to help clients achieve change in the health and life sciences sectors.

Find out more about OVID Health
Follow OVID Health on LinkedIn

In this episode of The Health Change Makers, Jenny has a conversation with Sirpa Pietikäinen, a long-time activist and politician. Through the episode, they explore Sirpa's journey from a childhood love of biology and nature to her current political career, exploring her passion for tackling global issues such as climate change and Alzheimer's. Sirpa shares her experiences as a female politician, her views on the role of social media in today's politics and her optimism about the ongoing research in the battle against Alzheimer's.

(0:42) Introduction
(6:43) Taking Environmental Action
(12:35) Sirpa's Early Influences
(19:07) Health Advocacy and Alzheimer's Research
(24:00) Politics, Social Media and Gender Balance

About the guest:
Sirpa was the Minister for the Environment in the Finnish government. She's also been an MEP in the European Parliament for 16 years and is the Chair of the European Alzheimer's Association.

OVID Health

OVID Health is an award-winning, independent agency with expertise in healthcare public affairs, patient advocacy, and communications. Their team builds bridges between the worlds of industry, healthcare, and the public sector to help clients achieve change in the health and life sciences sectors.

Find out more about OVID Health
Follow OVID Health on LinkedIn

In this episode of The Health Change Makers, Jenny speaks with politician Baroness Margaret Ritchie. They discuss Margaret's extensive political career, her personal journey with breast cancer and her perspectives on resilience and the need for expert advice in policy-making. Margaret also shares her views on the importance of vaccination programs and the potential for their expansion in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, she touches on her experiences as the first female leader of a major political party in Northern Ireland and offers advice for those seeking to effect change in their own spheres.

(0:43) Introduction
(4:36) What drives Margaret?
(7:55) A Turning Point
(13:19) Margaret's battle with breast cancer
(23:12) Building Resilience in the NHS
(27:34) Looking to the Future

About the guest:
Baroness Margaret Ritchie was previously leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party, SDLP. She has been a Minister for Social Development in the Northern Ireland Executive. She also has done a lot of change-making in healthcare over the years, both from the perspective of an advocate, and the perspective of a patient herself having been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018. Margaret is also the Allergy UK's parliamentary champion and has also done a lot of work pressing for improvements in vaccinations.

OVID Health

OVID Health is an award-winning, independent agency with expertise in healthcare public affairs, patient advocacy, and communications. Their team builds bridges between the worlds of industry, healthcare, and the public sector to help clients achieve change in the health and life sciences sectors.

Find out more about OVID Health
Follow OVID Health on LinkedIn