Red Whale Primary Care Pod
- Episodes
- 58
- Released
- every two weeks
- Latest episode
- Nov 13, 2026
About the podcast
Welcome to the Primary Care Pod from Red Whale – join GPs Nik Kendrew and guests as each month they discuss a roundup of four key topics for primary care clinicians, which can also be found in our popular free Pearls.
We look at the evidence, the guidelines and the media coverage and make learning together as a primary care community as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. We invite you to nominate your primary care heroes and share your best intentions stories. So, grab a cuppa or put on your trainers and head out for some fresh air whilst you enjoy this month’s podcast.
We'd love to hear your feedback by email - [email protected] or leave us a voice message - https://www.speakpipe.com/RedWhalePrimaryCarePod
Episodes 58
Hyperhidrosis: what works? Endocarditis prophylaxis: who needs it?
Send us a textExcessive sweating can be difficult to talk about, yet its impact can be profound. This episode explores how to assess hyperhidrosis sensitively, spot possible secondary causes and navigate the …
Show notes
Excessive sweating can be difficult to talk about, yet its impact can be profound. This episode explores how to assess hyperhidrosis sensitively, spot possible secondary causes and navigate the changing treatment pathway, including a newly approved option.
We then tackle infective endocarditis: when to suspect it, why the classic signs may be absent, and what to say when a patient asks, “Do I need antibiotics before dental treatment?”
Press play for two clear, practical updates that could change your next consultation.
Useful Links
GP Trainee Essentials support package information, Red Whale Courses and Red Whale Unlimited
Send us your feedback [email protected] or send a voice message
Sign up to receive Pearls here. Pearls are available for 3 months from publish date. After this, you can get access them plus 100s more articles when you buy a one-day online course from Red Whale OR sign up to Red Whale Unlimited. Find out more here.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast.Acute aortic syndrome and epistaxis: urgent primary care red flags
Send us a textWould you spot acute aortic syndrome hiding among the everyday presentations of chest, back or abdominal pain, and do you know when a nosebleed is more than “just a nosebleed”? This episode …
Show notes
Would you spot acute aortic syndrome hiding among the everyday presentations of chest, back or abdominal pain, and do you know when a nosebleed is more than “just a nosebleed”?
This episode unpacks the clues to a rare but life-threatening aortic emergency, before giving you a practical refresher on acute and recurrent epistaxis, from first aid and anterior versus posterior bleeds to important red flags.
Essential listening for any primary care clinician who wants to feel calmer, sharper and more prepared when the clinical picture does not quite add up.
Useful LinksENT UK – nosebleeds (epistaxis) (patient information leaflet)
GP Trainee Essentials support package information, Red Whale Courses and Red Whale Unlimited
Send us your feedback [email protected] or send a voice message
Sign up to receive Pearls here. Pearls are available for 3 months from publish date. After this, you can get access them plus 100s more articles when you buy a one-day online course from Red Whale OR sign up to Red Whale Unlimited. Find out more here.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast.Suicide risk assessment in primary care: what helps when checklists don’t
Send us a textThis episode tackles one of the most difficult consultations we face in primary care: supporting someone who may be thinking about suicide. Nik and Lee explore how to ask clear, compassionate …
Show notes
This episode tackles one of the most difficult consultations we face in primary care: supporting someone who may be thinking about suicide.
Nik and Lee explore how to ask clear, compassionate questions; understand thoughts, plans and intent without relying on tick-box risk scores; and respond with safety planning, appropriate referral and proactive follow-up.
Using A Man Called Otto to illuminate the person behind the presentation, they also consider how risk and protective factors can change, the value of asking “How are you, really?”, and the emotional impact of suicide on clinicians.
Press play for a practical conversation designed to help you feel more confident when your words, curiosity and willingness to listen really matter.
Useful Links
Useful resources for professionals:
- RCPsych - If a patient dies by suicide: a resource for mental health professionals
- NHS Practitioner Health
Useful resources for patients:
- Samaritans (24h confidential helpline. Tel: 116 123. Email: [email protected])
- The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) (an organisation dedicated to preventing male suicide. Tel: 0800 58 58 58)
- Staying Safe from suicidal thoughts (printable electronic safety plan template)
- distrACT (information and advice on how to manage difficult feelings, cope with a crisis and find help and support when you need it most)
Send us your feedback [email protected] or send a voice message
Sign up to receive Pearls here. Pearls are available for 3 months from publish date. After this, you can get access them plus 100s more articles when you buy a one-day online course from Red Whale OR sign up to Red Whale Unlimited. Find out more here.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast.The patient who keeps coming back: could childhood trauma be part of the picture?
Send us a textAdverse childhood experiences do not stay in childhood. They can echo through physical health, mental wellbeing, health behaviours and the way people engage with care. This episode explores the …
Show notes
Adverse childhood experiences do not stay in childhood. They can echo through physical health, mental wellbeing, health behaviours and the way people engage with care.
This episode explores the landmark ACE research, what it can teach us about complex and recurrent presentations, and how a trauma-informed approach can make consultations feel safer, more respectful and more effective.
Press play for a compassionate, practical conversation that may change how you see the patient who keeps coming back but never quite seems to get better.
Useful Links
Public Health Wales: adverse childhood experiences (Vimeo)
Explores ACEs and their impact across the life course from the point of view of one family. This is compelling viewing and would be a great addition to safeguarding training for your practice teamTED Talks: How childhood trauma affects health across a lifetime
GP Trainee Essentials support package information, Red Whale Courses and Red Whale Unlimited
Send us your feedback [email protected] or send a voice message
Sign up to receive Pearls here. Pearls are available for 3 months from publish date. After this, you can get access them plus 100s more articles when you buy a one-day online course from Red Whale OR sign up to Red Whale Unlimited. Find out more here.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast.The mole you can’t afford to miss, and penicillin allergy or intolerance?
Send us a text“Can you just have a look at this mole?” and “I can’t take penicillin” are familiar phrases in primary care, but both can lead to difficult decisions. In this episode, we explore how to recognise …
Show notes
“Can you just have a look at this mole?” and “I can’t take penicillin” are familiar phrases in primary care, but both can lead to difficult decisions.
In this episode, we explore how to recognise suspicious, unusual and easily missed melanomas, including which risk factors and examination clues matter most, before tackling the difference between a true penicillin allergy and a troublesome side-effect.
With practical pointers on referral, safety-netting and clearer allergy documentation, this is an episode to help you approach two common clinical uncertainties with greater confidence.
Useful Links
Websites describing appearances of lesions in different skin types:
- BAD Skin Health Info - skin of colour
- Dermnet NZ - skin conditions in skin of colour
- Nottingham Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology - skin of colour
GP Trainee Essentials support package information, Red Whale Courses and Red Whale Unlimited
Send us your feedback [email protected] or send a voice message
Sign up to receive Pearls here. Pearls are available for 3 months from publish date. After this, you can get access them plus 100s more articles when you buy a one-day online course from Red Whale OR sign up to Red Whale Unlimited. Find out more here.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast.IBD and pregnancy, teenage periods: what can I safely prescribe?
Send us a textNot every consultation about periods or pregnancy comes with a straightforward answer. Join Nik and Lucy as they unpack reproductive health in inflammatory bowel disease, including contraception …
Show notes
Not every consultation about periods or pregnancy comes with a straightforward answer. Join Nik and Lucy as they unpack reproductive health in inflammatory bowel disease, including contraception, medication reviews, pregnancy and breastfeeding, before tackling the questions that often make adolescent menstrual consultations tricky: what is normal, what needs investigating, which treatments can be offered and when to refer. A practical episode packed with useful pointers for the next time you are in your consulting room.
Useful Links
The Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy website (BUMPS)
GP Trainee Essentials support package information, Red Whale Courses and Red Whale Unlimited
Send us your feedback [email protected] or send a voice message
Sign up to receive Pearls here. Pearls are available for 3 months from publish date. After this, you can get access them plus 100s more articles when you buy a one-day online course from Red Whale OR sign up to Red Whale Unlimited. Find out more here.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast.Saying no, staying kind: boundaries in primary care
Send us a textEver said “yes, that’s fine” while every part of you was quietly saying “absolutely not”? In this episode, Nik is joined by Red Whale mental health lead Lee David for a practical, warmhearted …
Show notes
Ever said “yes, that’s fine” while every part of you was quietly saying “absolutely not”? In this episode, Nik is joined by Red Whale mental health lead Lee David for a practical, warmhearted conversation about communicating our needs and setting boundaries in primary care. They explore why clinicians so often put themselves last, how guilt can muddy the waters, and why boundaries are less about being difficult and more about protecting the time, energy and wellbeing we need to keep doing the job well. With relatable examples, the DEAR framework for tricky conversations, and simple ways to say “no” without ruining relationships, this is a timely listen for anyone feeling stretched, overcommitted, or in need of permission to pause before saying yes.
GP Trainee Essentials support package information, Red Whale Courses and Red Whale Unlimited
Send us your feedback [email protected] or send a voice message
Sign up to receive Pearls here. Pearls are available for 3 months from publish date. After this, you can get access them plus 100s more articles when you buy a one-day online course from Red Whale OR sign up to Red Whale Unlimited. Find out more here.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast.Too hot to think? Bias, heat-related illness and safer decisions
Send us a textThis is a timely, thoughtful episode that tackles two issues primary care can’t afford to file under “too difficult” or “summer problem”. Fiona and Nik explore how bias can quietly shape …
Show notes
This is a timely, thoughtful episode that tackles two issues primary care can’t afford to file under “too difficult” or “summer problem”. Fiona and Nik explore how bias can quietly shape consultations, clinical reasoning and patient experience, especially when we’re tired, rushed or relying on first impressions, with practical ways to pause, reflect and challenge assumptions.
They then turn to heat-related illness, a growing risk for patients we see every day, from young children and pregnant women to older people, outdoor workers, people who are socially isolated or using certain medications.
If you want a practical, compassionate update on spotting who is at risk, recognising heat-related illness as a spectrum, and knowing when rapid cooling and emergency action are needed, press play now.
Useful links
NHS Midlands Leadership Academy – unconscious bias toolkit
NHS equality, diversity, and inclusion improvement plan
NHS England – conscious inclusion
GP Trainee Essentials support package information, Red Whale Courses and Red Whale Unlimited
Send us your feedback [email protected] or send a voice message
Sign up to receive Pearls here. Pearls are available for 3 months from publish date. After this, you can get access them plus 100s more articles when you buy a one-day online course from Red Whale OR sign up to Red Whale Unlimited. Find out more here.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast.Dementia prevention, men’s health, and the art of making every contact count
Send us a textDementia prevention and men’s health are two topics that can feel too big for a ten or fifteen minute primary care consultation. Helping to make it feel more manageable, Fiona Ritchie and Nik …
Show notes
Dementia prevention and men’s health are two topics that can feel too big for a ten or fifteen minute primary care consultation. Helping to make it feel more manageable, Fiona Ritchie and Nik Kendrew explore how we can talk positively about “brain health”, make sense of the 14 modifiable dementia risk factors, and spot the prevention wins hiding in routine consultations.
They also widen the lens on men’s health beyond urogenital symptoms, looking at cardiovascular risk, cancer, mental health, screening gaps, help-seeking behaviour and why the appointment that never happens may be the most important one.
Press play for practical, compassionate ideas to help every contact count, without adding another impossible job to the primary care to-do list.
Useful links
Men’s Health Forum – for professionals
GP Trainee Essentials support package information, Red Whale Courses and Red Whale Unlimited
Send us your feedback [email protected] or send a voice message
Sign up to receive Pearls here. Pearls are available for 3 months from publish date. After this, you can get access them plus 100s more articles when you buy a one-day online course from Red Whale OR sign up to Red Whale Unlimited. Find out more here.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast.Gout without the guilt: diagnosis, flares and the 360 target
Send us a textGout is common, painful and might not get the attention it needs. This episode reframes gout as a long-term condition that deserves confident, compassionate consultations in primary care. Nik and …
Show notes
Gout is common, painful and might not get the attention it needs. This episode reframes gout as a long-term condition that deserves confident, compassionate consultations in primary care.
Nik and Fiona unpack the key practice-changing points from the latest guidelines and evidence, including why serum urate testing at presentation may challenge old habits.
Crucially, they also tackle the stigma: gout is not simply a lifestyle problem, genetics matter, and the way we explain this can reduce shame and improve engagement. Press play if you want a practical update that will sharpen your diagnosis, simplify follow-up, and help patients feel supported rather than blamed.
Useful Links
- Primary Care IT (Primary Care IT has built a series of searches for gout. These integrate into your clinical systems)
Useful resources for patients:
- https://www.arthritis-uk.org/information-and-support/understanding-arthritis/conditions/gout/ (patient information leaflet)
Send us your feedback [email protected] or send a voice message
Sign up to receive Pearls here. Pearls are available for 3 months from publish date. After this, you can get access them plus 100s more articles when you buy a one-day online course from Red Whale OR sign up to Red Whale Unlimited. Find out more here.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast.Pregnancy weight gain: what is “normal"? The numbers NICE doesn’t quite give us…
Send us a textHaven’t got time for CPD? Think again! In this super short special listener question episode, Nik and Fi respond to one of our listeners, Emma from Sheffield. She asks a deceptively tricky …
Show notes
Haven’t got time for CPD? Think again! In this super short special listener question episode, Nik and Fi respond to one of our listeners, Emma from Sheffield. She asks a deceptively tricky question: what actually counts as “normal” weight gain in pregnancy? With NICE not giving a neat definition of excessive gestational weight gain, they dig a bit deeper for answers…
Press play for a clear, mini-episode which gives the answer to a question many of us have probably wondered about — and a useful reminder that conversations about weight in pregnancy need both clinical confidence and careful language.
Useful Links
The Association of UK Dieticians: Pregnancy and diet
Send us your feedback [email protected] or send a voice message
Sign up to receive Pearls here. Pearls are available for 3 months from publish date. After this, you can get access them plus 100s more articles when you buy a one-day online course from Red Whale OR sign up to Red Whale Unlimited. Find out more here.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast.PMDD: the diagnosis hiding in plain sight
Send us a textPMS and PMDD can be easy to miss, hard to diagnose, and life altering for the people living with them. In this special episode, Nik and Red Whale mental health lead Lee David tackle the patterns …
Show notes
PMS and PMDD can be easy to miss, hard to diagnose, and life altering for the people living with them. In this special episode, Nik and Red Whale mental health lead Lee David tackle the patterns, pitfalls and practicalities that primary care teams need to know — from spotting cyclical symptoms and distinguishing PMDD from other mental health conditions, to suicide risk, first-line treatment and when to refer. Sensitive, clear and packed with take-home points, this is an essential listen if you want to recognise severe premenstrual symptoms sooner and respond with confidence and compassion.
Useful Links
The National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome
GP Trainee Essentials support package information, Red Whale Courses and Red Whale Unlimited
Send us your feedback [email protected] or send a voice message
Sign up to receive Pearls here. Pearls are available for 3 months from publish date. After this, you can get access them plus 100s more articles when you buy a one-day online course from Red Whale OR sign up to Red Whale Unlimited. Find out more here.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast.Homelessness in primary care: what helps, what harms
Send us a textHomelessness isn’t just “sleeping rough”, it’s far more common than most of us realise. In this special episode, Nik and Fi unpack why health outcomes are so stark (including a 30 year life …
Show notes
Homelessness isn’t just “sleeping rough”, it’s far more common than most of us realise. In this special episode, Nik and Fi unpack why health outcomes are so stark (including a 30 year life expectancy gap) and how much of the harm is potentially modifiable with effective healthcare.
You’ll hear about a shocking “mystery shopper” study that looked at primary care access. There are also some practical, doable changes for busy primary care: inclusive registration, reducing barriers at the front desk, being opportunistic with long‑term condition care and vaccines, simplifying medicines, safer prescribing when life is chaotic, and using a trauma‑informed approach that prioritises safety and trust.
If you want one listen this week that will genuinely change how your team welcomes, registers and cares for some of the most vulnerable patients — press play now.
Useful Links
Pathway (focuses on homelessness and health inclusion)
GP Trainee Essentials support package information, Red Whale Courses and Red Whale Unlimited
Send us your feedback [email protected] or send a voice message
Sign up to receive Pearls here. Pearls are available for 3 months from publish date. After this, you can get access them plus 100s more articles when you buy a one-day online course from Red Whale OR sign up to Red Whale Unlimited. Find out more here.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast.Hay fever and common running injuries. Two primary care problems, several surprises...
Send us a textHay fever consultations on your triage list, and runners limping in after the marathon/parkrun boom? This episode is just what you need! We challenge the “minor ailment” myth of allergic rhinitis …
Show notes
Hay fever consultations on your triage list, and runners limping in after the marathon/parkrun boom? This episode is just what you need!
We challenge the “minor ailment” myth of allergic rhinitis with 3 practice‑changing takeaways you can start using today. We also highlight some new allergen immunotherapy options you’ll start seeing in letters from secondary care, so you’re not wrong-footed when they land.
Then, fresh from running two marathons in 1 week, our guest Hussain Al-Zubaidi joins us to give you a primary care friendly framework for common running injuries. What actually helps, and how to keep injured runners active without crushing the thing that’s protecting their mental health.
Press play now if you want fewer repeat hay fever appointments, clearer “what next?” injury chats, and a couple of immediately usable action points for your whole team.
Useful Links
Asthma and Lung UK pollen calendar
Itchy Sneezy Wheezy - rhinitis videos (nasal spray technique for adults and children)
Oxford University Hospitals - Return to Running Programme (patient guide to returning to run training after injury)
GP Trainee Essentials support package information, Red Whale Courses and Red Whale Unlimited
Send us your feedback [email protected] or send a voice message
Sign up to receive Pearls here. Pearls are available for 3 months from publish date. After this, you can get access them plus 100s more articles when you buy a one-day online course from Red Whale OR sign up to Red Whale Unlimited. Find out more here.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast.Burnout: the signs we miss in ourselves (and spot in others)
Send us a textBurnout often creeps in while you keep showing up for everyone else.In this special episode, Nik and GP and Red Whale Mental Health Lead Lee David explore:What burnout really looks like in …
Show notes
Burnout often creeps in while you keep showing up for everyone else.
In this special episode, Nik and GP and Red Whale Mental Health Lead Lee David explore:
- What burnout really looks like in healthcare
- The early signs we often miss in ourselves (and spot in others)
- How burnout can quietly affect thinking, empathy and clinical decisions
- Practical ways to check in with yourself or a colleague
- What genuinely helps - from workplace conditions and team culture to boundaries, rest and therapy
No lectures on ‘resilience’. Just realistic, supportive steps that actually help.
If you have been thinking, ‘I’m fine, just tired’ - this one is for you.
Useful Links
Society of Occupational Medicine, 2023: Burnout in healthcare: risk factors and solutions
NHS Practitioner Health (offers free mental health support for health professionals)
GP Trainee Essentials support package information, Red Whale Courses and Red Whale Unlimited
Send us your feedback [email protected] or send a voice message
Sign up to receive Pearls here. Pearls are available for 3 months from publish date. After this, you can get access them plus 100s more articles when you buy a one-day online course from Red Whale OR sign up to Red Whale Unlimited. Find out more here.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast.Don’t miss it, don’t harm them: brain tumour clues, and considering cancer and frailty
Send us a textHeadache in the consultation room is common; a brain tumour is (thankfully) not — and that’s exactly why we’re so prone to worry and to miss the subtle clues. In this episode, Nik and Fi cut …
Show notes
Headache in the consultation room is common; a brain tumour is (thankfully) not — and that’s exactly why we’re so prone to worry and to miss the subtle clues. In this episode, Nik and Fi cut through the noise on headaches, red flags and brain tumours. They explore how no single symptom reliably hits the NICE “refer” threshold, what to do with “headache +” and “cognitive +”, when to push for urgent imaging/referral, and how to safety net adults and children. Then they move on to a quietly game-changing topic: cancer and frailty — how to spot it, why it alters investigation and treatment risk, what to include in suspected cancer referrals, and practical steps that primary care clinicians can start today to reduce harm and improve outcomes.
Useful Links
Prehabilitation resources for healthcare professionals | Macmillan Cancer Support
Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool: MUST
Macmillan Cancer Support - healthy eating and cancer
GP Trainee Essentials support package information, Red Whale Courses and Red Whale Unlimited
Send us your feedback [email protected] or send a voice message
Sign up to receive Pearls here. Pearls are available for 3 months from publish date. After this, you can get access them plus 100s more articles when you buy a one-day online course from Red Whale OR sign up to Red Whale Unlimited. Find out more here.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast.Open wide: a primary care guide to common oral problems
Send us a textDo you ever feel a bit lost when you see someone with a sore mouth, a furry tongue, or bad breath? This episode is your rapid confidence boost, delivered as a cheeky (virtual) 'million pound …
Show notes
Do you ever feel a bit lost when you see someone with a sore mouth, a furry tongue, or bad breath? This episode is your rapid confidence boost, delivered as a cheeky (virtual) 'million pound question' quiz between Nik and Fi. You’ll get a practical, primary care friendly approach to:
- Dry mouth ( what it is, common causes, and when to worry)
- Oral thrush (the assessment bits we all forget),
- Recurrent mouth ulcers (types, triggers, red flags for urgent referral, and what actually helps)
- Halitosis (from hygiene to halitophobia… plus one surprising cause).
Press play now and prepare for faster, safer, calmer oral consultations afterwards.
Send us your feedback [email protected] or send a voice message
Sign up to receive Pearls here. Pearls are available for 3 months from publish date. After this, you can get access them plus 100s more articles when you buy a one-day online course from Red Whale OR sign up to Red Whale Unlimited. Find out more here.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast.The £158 million question: why aren’t we dancing to prevent falls?
Send us a textAre you ready for a prescription that comes with sequins? This episode dives into the Let’s Dance campaign with special guests Angela Rippon and our very own Hussain Al‑Zubaidi, unpacking why …
Show notes
Are you ready for a prescription that comes with sequins? This episode dives into the Let’s Dance campaign with special guests Angela Rippon and our very own Hussain Al‑Zubaidi, unpacking why dance isn’t just “a bit of fun” but a proper health intervention. Only 2% of UK adults dance regularly, yet it improves cardiovascular fitness, mood, memory, balance and social connection, with programmes like Dance to Health cutting falls risk significantly.
We discuss how to nudge patients (and ourselves) towards movement that people actually want to keep doing - because it feels joyful, not like homework. Press play if you’d like a practical, evidence-based way to get patients (and your practice) moving without mentioning “the gym” once.
Useful Links
Let’s Dance - communication toolkit
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Sign up to receive Pearls here. Pearls are available for 3 months from publish date. After this, you can get access them plus 100s more articles when you buy a one-day online course from Red Whale OR sign up to Red Whale Unlimited. Find out more here.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast.Obesity and weight management in pregnancy, plus perianal masses: referral decisions and red flags
Send us a textTwo potentially practice changing pearls in one episode: we tackle obesity & weight management in pregnancy: how to raise it sensitively, what to do with BMI at booking, how to handle GLP‑1s …
Show notes
Two potentially practice changing pearls in one episode: we tackle obesity & weight management in pregnancy: how to raise it sensitively, what to do with BMI at booking, how to handle GLP‑1s pre‑conception, and what to say about folate, vitamin D, diet and activity. Then we demystify perianal masses: the red flags, and why the clock is ticking for thrombosed haemorrhoids. Plus a much needed best intentions story to put a smile on your face. Press play as we make your life easier and reignite your passion for primary care.
Useful Links
For more detail on safe use of medications related to obesity during breastfeeding, see Specialist Pharmacy Service: UK Drugs in Lactation Advisory Service – safety in breastfeeding
GP Trainee Essentials support package information, Red Whale Courses and Red Whale Unlimited
Send us your feedback [email protected] or send a voice message
Sign up to receive Pearls here. Pearls are available for 3 months from publish date. After this, you can get access them plus 100s more articles when you buy a one-day online course from Red Whale OR sign up to Red Whale Unlimited. Find out more here.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast.Precocious puberty: who needs an urgent referral?
Send us a textThis time Fiona and Nik serve up two “don’t miss” clinical challenges: precocious puberty—what’s normal vs red flags, who warrants urgent paediatric referral, and how to use the RCPCH puberty …
Show notes
This time Fiona and Nik serve up two “don’t miss” clinical challenges: precocious puberty—what’s normal vs red flags, who warrants urgent paediatric referral, and how to use the RCPCH puberty growth charts.
And bullous pemphigoid—how to spot it fast, common drug links and when to phone dermatology today: when was the last time you did that?
Useful Links
Growth charts from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) with ‘puberty lines’ that show the normal age limits for phases of puberty:
- RCPCH - growth charts: girls childhood and puberty close monitoring
- RCPCH - growth charts: boys childhood and puberty close monitoring
GP Trainee Essentials support package information, Red Whale Courses and Red Whale Unlimited
Send us your feedback [email protected] or send a voice message
Sign up to receive Pearls here. Pearls are available for 3 months from publish date. After this, you can get access them plus 100s more articles when you buy a one-day online course from Red Whale OR sign up to Red Whale Unlimited. Find out more here.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast.Grief in general practice and acting fast with meningitis
Send us a textGrief touches every consulting room. In this episode we gently unpick how to support people after loss, using the RCGP framework “A Compassionate Bereavement Response”. Practical language you can …
Show notes
Grief touches every consulting room. In this episode we gently unpick how to support people after loss, using the RCGP framework “A Compassionate Bereavement Response”. Practical language you can use tomorrow, how to recognise prolonged grief disorder (including in children) and when to refer. The overlap with PTSD, and realistic ways we can look after ourselves as clinicians.
Then we change gear for an update on NICE’s 2024 guideline covering bacterial meningitis and meningococcal disease: the red flag combination that demands 999, when prehospital antibiotics are (and aren’t) advised, the easy to miss early signs, and robust safety netting.
Press play for compassionate care, sharper suspicions, and help to make the right clinical decisions when under pressure.
Useful links
Grief
Good Grief Festival (free events, YouTube Channel and curated resources)
RCGP framework “A Compassionate Bereavement Response”
Bacterial meningitis and meningococcal disease
GP Trainee Essentials support package information, Red Whale Courses and Red Whale Unlimited
Send us your feedback [email protected] or send a voice message
Sign up to receive Pearls here. Pearls are available for 3 months from publish date. After this, you can get access them plus 100s more articles when you buy a one-day online course from Red Whale OR sign up to Red Whale Unlimited. Find out more here.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast.Menopause, HRT and cognition: an update on the evidence
Send us a textFiona and Nik break down the latest evidence on menopause, HRT and cognition so you can feel confident when patients ask, “Should I be worried?”Plus: in our second Pearl in this episode, practical …
Show notes
Fiona and Nik break down the latest evidence on menopause, HRT and cognition so you can feel confident when patients ask, “Should I be worried?”
Plus: in our second Pearl in this episode, practical tips for behaviour change that actually sticks, including how to spot those golden moments and use the STOP IT model to turn advice into action.
Tune in for clear answers and real‑world support for primary care.
Perfect for anyone in primary care who wants to feel informed, confident and ready for the inevitable “I saw this in the news...” conversation.
Useful Links
GP Trainee Essentials support package information, Red Whale Courses and Red Whale Unlimited
Send us your feedback [email protected] or send a voice message
Sign up to receive Pearls here. Pearls are available for 3 months from publish date. After this, you can get access them plus 100s more articles when you buy a one-day online course from Red Whale OR sign up to Red Whale Unlimited. Find out more here.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast.Navigating Domestic Abuse in Primary Care
Send us a textDomestic abuse affects patients and colleagues, yet it’s often unseen- so in this compassionate, practical episode Fiona and Nik walk you through what primary care can do right now:How to spot …
Show notes
Domestic abuse affects patients and colleagues, yet it’s often unseen- so in this compassionate, practical episode Fiona and Nik walk you through what primary care can do right now:
- How to spot warning signs
- How we should use clinical inquiry (not universal screening)
- How to respond to a disclosure with the LIVES framework
- How to document safely in the electronic medical record
You’ll also hear why children and young people are recognised as victims in their own right, and how to notice and support a colleague who may be affected.
Do you know about the 999 “Silent Solution”?
All this is so you can feel more prepared, confident and informed in your next clinic.
Press play: the right conversation at the right moment can change a life.
Useful Links
Doctors Association UK offers resources and research on domestic abuse in healthcare, including:
- Resources for doctors and health professionals experiencing domestic abuse
- Resources for NHS employers to support staff affected by domestic abuse
- Research and guidance on domestic abuse in healthcare professionals
TED Talk: Why domestic violence victims don't leave
GP Trainee Essentials support package information, Red Whale Courses and Red Whale Unlimited
Send us your feedback [email protected] or send a voice message
Sign up to receive Pearls here. Pearls are available for 3 months from publish date. After this, you can get access them plus 100s more articles when you buy a one-day online course from Red Whale OR sign up to Red Whale Unlimited. Find out more here.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast.Tick, Tick, Tick... Time To Update On An Allergy To Red Meat
Send us a textHave you heard of Alpha-gal syndrome? It was new for nearly all of us at Red Whale too.Kick off the year with some free CPD as Fi and Nik share what you need to know in this week’s round-up of Red …
Show notes
Have you heard of Alpha-gal syndrome? It was new for nearly all of us at Red Whale too.
Kick off the year with some free CPD as Fi and Nik share what you need to know in this week’s round-up of Red Whale Pearls.
They discuss:
- What Alpha-gal syndrome is and how it affects patients
- The serious consequences of this rare, tick-borne allergy to red meat
- How it manifests as urticaria occurring 2–6 hours after ingesting mammal products
- How repeated exposure can increase sensitivity and risk of anaphylaxis.
And because we love a smile, we’ve included a best intentions story: when two should have been one!
Listen as soon as you can to ensure you have full access to all the free resources.
Further Pearls from December will be covered next time
Useful Links
Alpha-gal
Patients may need specific dietetic device to support them in this. Anaphylaxis UK has produced a patient information leaflet with more details:
https://www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/fact-sheet/alpha-gal/UKHSA: Tips and tricks to stay safe from ticks
Video:
https://www.redwhale.co.uk/bytes/did-you-know-alpha-gal-syndrome
(You'll need to sign in, or sign up to a free Red Whale account to view the video byte above!)GP Trainee Essentials support package information, Red Whale Courses and Red Whale Unlimited
Send us your feedback [email protected] or send a voice message
Sign up to receive Pearls here. Pearls are available for 3 months from publish date. After this, you can get access them plus 100s more articles when you buy a one-day online course from Red Whale OR sign up to Red Whale Unlimited. Find out more here.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast.Sleigh the workload: flu antiviral know‑how & the art of not over‑testing to check "I'm well"...
Send us a textGrab your trainers, your dog lead, or even shake your jingle bells, and join us for some free CPD as we have another relaxed round up of recent Red Whale primary care Pearls of wisdom. In the …
Show notes
Grab your trainers, your dog lead, or even shake your jingle bells, and join us for some free CPD as we have another relaxed round up of recent Red Whale primary care Pearls of wisdom. In the second of two episodes this month, Fi and Nik discuss:
- It’s beginning to look a lot like…flu season. There’s been a LOT of media coverage on seasonal influenza over the past few weeks. But aside from flu jabs, are you confident in where we would use antivirals? We look at the criteria for giving antivirals: for treatment, for prophylaxis, and the evidence behind it.
- “I would like a blood test to check I am well…” What do you do with this request? We share a handy framework to help, and think about how ‘just ticking a box’ could cause a lot of work down the line!
Listen as soon as you can to ensure you have full access to all the free resources.
Useful Links
UKHSA guideline (2025): treatment and prophylaxis of influenza
GP Trainee Essentials support package information, Red Whale Courses and Red Whale Unlimited
Send us your feedback [email protected] or send a voice message
Sign up to receive Pearls here. Pearls are available for 3 months from publish date. After this, you can get access them plus 100s more articles when you buy a one-day online course from Red Whale OR sign up to Red Whale Unlimited. Find out more here.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast.Adrenal insufficiency and Addison’s disease. Plus a bacterial vaginosis plot twist?
Send us a textGrab your trainers, your dog lead, or even shake your jingle bells, and join us for some free CPD as we have another relaxed round up of recent Red Whale primary care Pearls of wisdom. In the …
Show notes
Grab your trainers, your dog lead, or even shake your jingle bells, and join us for some free CPD as we have another relaxed round up of recent Red Whale primary care Pearls of wisdom. In the first of two episodes this month, Fi and Nik discuss :
- Spotting adrenal crisis. Adrenal insufficiency and Addison’s disease can be easy to miss. We've recently updated our article on this, so we thought we’d share it as a Pearl, distilling the 2024 NICE guidance for you.
- Recurrent bacterial vaginosis: time to consider partner treatment? Bacterial vaginosis is the commonest cause of pathological vaginal discharge in women of reproductive age. But it’s not an easy diagnosis for us to confirm – although we can suspect it clinically and manage empirically. We’ll give you a refresher on BV infection and diagnosis in primary care and then think about managing recurrent BV, where there’s a new development.
Listen as soon as you can to ensure you have full access to all the free resources.
Further Pearls from November will be covered next time.
Useful Links
Adrenal insufficiency and Addison’s disease
For professionals:
For patients:
- Addison’s Disease Self-help Group (include sections on emergency kits and sick day rules; there doesn’t appear to be a patient group for other forms of adrenal insufficiency)
GP Trainee Essentials support package information, Red Whale Courses and Red Whale Unlimited
Send us your feedback [email protected] or send a voice message
Sign up to receive Pearls here. Pearls are available for 3 months from publish date. After this, you can get access them plus 100s more articles when you buy a one-day online course from Red Whale OR sign up to Red Whale Unlimited. Find out more here.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast.Problematic social media use or addiction? ( Plus genital warts: what can be managed in primary care and what should be referred?)
Send us a textGrab your trainers, your dog lead, or your drink of choice and join us for some free CPD as we have another relaxed round up of recent Red Whale primary care Pearls of wisdom. In the second of two …
Show notes
Grab your trainers, your dog lead, or your drink of choice and join us for some free CPD as we have another relaxed round up of recent Red Whale primary care Pearls of wisdom. In the second of two episodes this month, Fi and Nik discuss:
- Genital warts: spotting, treating and referring. Are you confident to diagnose? Do you know what additional screening should be offered? Are you comfortable with what can be managed in primary care and what should be referred?
- Addictive behaviours. The word ‘addiction’ conjures specific images for each of us. Perhaps it is a person struggling to stop smoking, or a person who uses IV drugs? Or perhaps it is a behaviour more ‘normalised’ and ubiquitous in our society – alcohol or social media use? All can impact health. We share our article on addictive behaviours, and consider:
- The difference between addiction and impulse control.
- How we can identify addictive behaviour.
- Factors that make individuals more susceptible.
Listen as soon as you can to ensure you have full access to all the free resources.
Links:
Genital warts
Red Whale byte: HPV and genital warts
Problematic social media use or addiction?
UK Rehab – social media addiction (includes a free 24/7 helpline)
Boggled Docs episode covering "The Social Dilemma" on Netflix
GP Trainee Essentials support package information, Red Whale Courses and Red Whale Unlimited
Send us your feedback [email protected] or send a voice message
Sign up to receive Pearls here. Pearls are available for 3 months from publish date. After this, you can get access them plus 100s more articles when you buy a one-day online course from Red Whale OR sign up to Red Whale Unlimited. Find out more here.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast.Managing menopause after a diagnosis of breast cancer
Send us a textGrab your trainers, your dog lead, or your drink of choice and join us for some free CPD as we have another relaxed round up of recent Red Whale primary care Pearls of wisdom. In the first of two …
Show notes
Grab your trainers, your dog lead, or your drink of choice and join us for some free CPD as we have another relaxed round up of recent Red Whale primary care Pearls of wisdom. In the first of two episodes this month, Fi and Nik have special guest Lucy Cox, the Red Whale women’s health course lead to discuss :
- Managing menopause after breast cancer. A diagnosis of breast cancer is life-changing at any age. Women in this situation will commonly seek our advice and we really want to help them at this vulnerable time, but for pre- and perimenopausal women conflicting media coverage over the safety of different menopause treatment options after breast cancer have created a recipe for confusion and frustration for patients and clinicians alike...
- We'll also briefly cover ultra-processed food. Joe Wicks’ recent documentary ‘Licensed to Kill’ has brought this topic back into the spotlight. While the scare-tactic language in the title and promo are perhaps not the best way to support people to make sustained change, the programme contained some important points and may well result in questions coming primary care’s way. We have an exclusive clip of Nik talking to Hussain all about this on Boggled Docs.
Listen as soon as you can to ensure you have full access to all the free resources.
Further Pearls from October will be covered next time.
Links:
Boggled Docs: Ultra-processed food: licensed to kill?
GP Trainee Essentials support package information, Red Whale Courses and Red Whale Unlimited
Send us your feedback [email protected] or send a voice message
Sign up to receive Pearls here. Pearls are available for 3 months from publish date. After this, you can get access them plus 100s more articles when you buy a one-day online course from Red Whale OR sign up to Red Whale Unlimited. Find out more here.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast.Who is eligible for cervical cancer screening, and how do you decide whether varicella post-exposure prophylaxis is needed?
Send us a textGrab your trainers, your dog lead, and perhaps a pumpkin spice latte, and join us for some free CPD as we have another relaxed round up of recent Red Whale primary care Pearls of wisdom. In the …
Show notes
Grab your trainers, your dog lead, and perhaps a pumpkin spice latte, and join us for some free CPD as we have another relaxed round up of recent Red Whale primary care Pearls of wisdom. In the second of two episodes this month, Ali and Nik discuss:
- The NEW cervical screening intervals that apply in England from 1 July 2025: moving to a 5-yearly screening interval for all women and people with a cervix aged 25–64y who have tested negative for HPV and have no other risk factors (those living with HIV will be offered an annual screen).
- Varicella vaccination- this will finally be rolled out as part of the UK childhood vaccination schedule from 1 January 2026 – this is good news. What you might have missed is that guidance on post-exposure prophylaxis from the UKHSA has changed…wait for it…3 times in the past 2 years! We share our article on varicella and provide everything you need to know to decide whether post-exposure prophylaxis is needed.
Listen as soon as you can to ensure you have full access to all the free resources.
Cervical cancer screening
Cancer Research UK - cervical cancer screening (more information about HPV triage and what the results mean)
LGBT Health - smear leaflet (specific information leaflet for lesbian and bisexual women)
OUTpatients – cancer risk and screening
OUTpatients – trans clinics offering cervical screening
Varicella
UKHSA guidance on post exposure prophylaxis for chickenpox and shingles
GP Trainee Essentials support package information, Red Whale Courses and Red Whale Unlimited
Send us your feedback [email protected] or send a voice message
Sign up to receive Pearls here. Pearls are available for 3 months from publish date. After this, you can get access them plus 100s more articles when you buy a one-day online course from Red Whale OR sign up to Red Whale Unlimited. Find out more here.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast.Are you ready for the autumn asthma spike?
Send us a textGrab your trainers, your dog lead, and enjoy the crunchy leaves under your feet as you savour your drink of choice and join us for some free CPD as we have another relaxed round up of recent Red …
Show notes
Grab your trainers, your dog lead, and enjoy the crunchy leaves under your feet as you savour your drink of choice and join us for some free CPD as we have another relaxed round up of recent Red Whale primary care Pearls of wisdom. In the first of two episodes this month, Ali and Nik discuss:
- Asthma: the autumn spike. The Primary Care Respiratory Society has drawn our attention to this. It refers to the significant increase in asthma admissions that occurs each autumn in the UK, particularly impacting children and young people. We can help prevent this by ensuring every person living with asthma has a personalised asthma action plan, appropriate prevention treatment, annual review AND review after every exacerbation.
Listen as soon as you can to ensure you have full access to all the free resources.
The rest of the Pearls from September will be covered next time.
Useful links:
Asthma and Lung UK - resources for healthcare professionals (includes great PAAPs for adults and children for MART, AIR and conventional asthma regimens; they can be downloaded for free or you can order free print versions)
GP Trainee Essentials support package information, Red Whale Courses and Red Whale Unlimited
Send us your feedback [email protected] or send a voice message
Sign up to receive Pearls here. Pearls are available for 3 months from publish date. After this, you can get access them plus 100s more articles when you buy a one-day online course from Red Whale OR sign up to Red Whale Unlimited. Find out more here.
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast.
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