In this week’s episode of The Martina Tierney Podcast, I sit down with Helen Hughes, Chief Executive of Patient Safety Learning, alongside our own Dearbhaile Mulholland, whose passion for safer care sparked this powerful conversation.

Helen’s work shines a light on something many of us feel deeply but rarely articulate, that patient safety is everyone’s responsibility, and that real change only happens when we share learning openly, honestly and without fear. From global systems thinking to the everyday realities faced by frontline staff, Helen brings a rare blend of clarity, compassion and courage to a topic that affects every patient, every carer and every clinician.

🔍 In this episode, we explore:

Why avoidable harm remains one of healthcare’s biggest challenges

How collaboration, culture and shared learning can transform safety

The story behind The Hub, now the world’s largest patient-safety knowledge platform

Why seating, posture and equipment need to be part of the safety conversation

What it truly means to move from blame to learning, and from isolated practice to collective responsibility

This episode is an honest, energising and deeply hopeful reminder that safer care isn’t just possible, it’s achievable when we empower the people who know their patients best, listen to those closest to harm, and give teams the tools and trust they need to do the right thing.

Whether you work in healthcare, leadership, quality improvement or simply believe in the dignity every person deserves, Helen’s insight will stay with you long after you finish listening.

🎧 Thank you for joining us. I’d love to hear your thoughts or reflections, you can reach me at martina.tierney@seatingmatters.com.

If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review and share, it helps spread this important message further.

In this week’s episode of The Martina Tierney Podcast, I sit down with Bel Youngson, Chief Operating Officer at Hertfordshire Independent Living Service (HILS), whose story beautifully illustrates what it means to lead with both heart and purpose.

From supporting vulnerable adults to transforming community services across the UK, Bel has spent her career turning compassion into action. Her journey is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about hierarchy - it’s about humanity, collaboration, and never losing sight of the people we serve.

🔍 What we cover in this episode:

* How Bel’s early experiences shaped her commitment to person-centred care

* The impact of small, consistent acts of kindness in creating large-scale change

* What true leadership looks like in the face of challenge, growth and service transformation

* The balance between operational excellence and emotional intelligence

* How HILS is redefining independence, dignity and connection for thousands across the UK

Whether you work in health, social care or leadership, or you simply want to be reminded of the difference one person can make, Bel’s story will leave you feeling inspired, grounded and hopeful about the future of care.

🎧 Thanks for tuning in - I’d love to hear what resonated with you. You can reach me at martina.tierney@seatingmatters.com

(Be sure to rate, review and share if this episode spoke to you — your support helps this message reach more people.)

In this week’s episode of The Martina Tierney Podcast, I sit down with Rachel Brimblecombe - founder of both Better Rehab and Better Days, to uncover an inspiring story of turning frustration into meaningful impact.

Rachel had a dream: to reshape how we see and deliver occupational therapy and rehab internationally.

What started as a small idea in her living room grew into a global mission, supporting hundreds of clinicians across Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

🔍 What we cover in this episode:

• The moment that sparked Rachel’s shift from burnout to bold leadership

• The rise of Better Rehab and Better Days: 700+ team members, systems that empower, a vision beyond treatment

• How confidence, curiosity and courage, not just credentials, shape true leadership

• The power of mindset: when you can’t change your thoughts, you can change your feelings - and that shift ripples into action

• Why “plodding” (slow, steady progress) often outpaces flashy shortcuts when you’re building something that matters

Whether you’re an OT student, a leader in healthcare, or simply on the lookout for a story of purpose and persistence, Rachel’s journey will remind you that small steps, bold belief and community make all the difference.

🎧 Thanks for tuning in, and if you’re inspired by this episode, I’d love to hear what resonates with you. Send me a message at martina.tierney@seatingmatters.com.

(Be sure to rate, review and share if this episode spoke to you - your support helps this message reach more people.)