Safeguarding Healthcare

Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Safeguarding Healthcare leads you through the intricate corridors of hospitals, taking you behind closed doors on an extraordinary journey. This is the podcast that holds a stethoscope to the beating heart of hospitals to reveal the reasoning behind the clinical governance decision making process. Join host, Dr David Rankin, a 35-year veteran of medical administration, as he puts some of Australia’s most senior hospital managers in the hot seat to challenge them with major and often complex hypothetical challenges that reflect some of the most contentious issues facing modern medicine. This podcast offers an unfiltered view of the web of patient safety, medical ethics, and healthcare decision-making. Join us as we explore gripping topics, from the thorny questions surrounding patient consent to the implications of ground-breaking healthcare technologies. Each episode delves into the heart of healthcare, scrutinizing the decisions that impact patient well-being and safety.  Discover how these passionate professionals navigate medical minefields, striving to ensure the highest standards of care, all while grappling with a broad and ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Whether you're a seasoned healthcare practitioner, a patient seeking insight into the system, or simply curious about the inner workings of hospitals, this podcast offers an enlightening perspective on the complexities of modern medicine.

  1. 09/09/2025

    The Open Disclosure Conversation

    When a young patient deteriorates from back pain to septic shock and then paraplegia, the questions begin. ‘Safeguarding Healthcare’ host Dr David Rankin and Dr Paul Lane, the Medical Director Safety, Quality and Innovation at The Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane, dissect this intriguing scenario. Together they discuss delayed diagnosis, open disclosure, and clinical accountability. They explore how to support distraught families, communicate with care teams, and lead through crisis while upholding safety and transparency. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the following Podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators (RACMA). The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only, and should not be considered health, legal or financial advice. The cases discussed in the Podcast may be specific to the speaker’s organisation or location, and may not be applicable to other organisations, states, territories or countries. RACMA does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organisation presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. RACMA will not be held responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this Podcast. The Podcast may contain descriptions of health incidents that may be graphic and triggering for some people, so listener discretion is advised. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    25 min

  2. 08/26/2025

    Lessons from loss

    A patient in ED dies of a catastrophic stroke after what seems like delays in clinical treatment. What should a medical administrator do? Dr Liz Mullins, Director of Medical Services, Bega Valley Health Service at Southern NSW Local Health District, joins our host, Dr David Rankin, to explore the complexities of medical administration following a patient death. Through the lens of a delayed TIA review, they examine how structured reviews can drive learning and system improvement. The discussion highlights the importance of timely internal investigations, open disclosure, supporting grieving families and staff, and improving communication with clinicians – especially in regional settings. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the following Podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators (RACMA). The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only, and should not be considered health, legal or financial advice. The cases discussed in the Podcast may be specific to the speaker’s organisation or location, and may not be applicable to other organisations, states, territories or countries. RACMA does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organisation presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. RACMA will not be held responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this Podcast. The Podcast may contain descriptions of health incidents that may be graphic and triggering for some people, so listener discretion is advised. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    26 min

  3. 08/12/2025

    A bit of a problem in surgery

    A surgical tool breaks mid-operation, and a piece of metal is left inside a patient’s knee bone. What would you do? Safeguarding Healthcare host Dr David Rankin presents this complex real-world scenario to seasoned medical administrator Dr Brett Gardiner for his views on how this problem could be solved. Together, they look at the medico-legal, patient safety and organisational implications of such an incident, offering insight into responsibilities, risk mitigation, and the systems that underpin safe surgical practice. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the following Podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators (RACMA). The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only, and should not be considered health, legal or financial advice. The cases discussed in the Podcast may be specific to the speaker’s organisation or location, and may not be applicable to other organisations, states, territories or countries. RACMA does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organisation presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. RACMA will not be held responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this Podcast. The Podcast may contain descriptions of health incidents that may be graphic and triggering for some people, so listener discretion is advised. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    22 min

  4. 07/29/2025

    Mistakes that burn

    A preventable burn, a missed disclosure, and a patient on the brink of legal action — what happens when clinical governance falls short? Our host Dr David Rankin presents a challenging scenario to Professor Mary O’Reily, Chief Medical Officer at Austin Health. Together, they unravel the clinical, systemic, and communication failures behind a surgical mishap, and offer insights into how healthcare leaders should respond when mistakes threaten trust and safety. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the following Podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators (RACMA). The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only, and should not be considered health, legal or financial advice. The cases discussed in the Podcast may be specific to the speaker’s organisation or location, and may not be applicable to other organisations, states, territories or countries. RACMA does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organisation presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. RACMA will not be held responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this Podcast. The Podcast may contain descriptions of health incidents that may be graphic and triggering for some people, so listener discretion is advised. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    23 min

  5. 07/15/2025

    Technology and backs

    When a hospital’s financial gain potentially clashes with patient wellbeing, who draws the ethical line? Host Dr David Rankin is joined by experienced medical administrator Dr Emily Kirkpatrick to explore a complex ethical dilemma facing hospital executives: should a private hospital invest in an expensive spinal surgery robot with questionable clinical benefits? Together, they unpack issues of clinical variation, financial incentives, marketing pressures, and the importance of patient-reported outcomes in delivering truly value-based healthcare. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the following Podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators (RACMA). The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only, and should not be considered health, legal or financial advice. The cases discussed in the Podcast may be specific to the speaker’s organisation or location, and may not be applicable to other organisations, states, territories or countries. RACMA does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organisation presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. RACMA will not be held responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this Podcast. The Podcast may contain descriptions of health incidents that may be graphic and triggering for some people, so listener discretion is advised. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    25 min

  6. 07/01/2025

    Rural ructions – integrating GPs in country care

    Providing adequate healthcare in rural areas can be challenging enough, but what happens when local GPs have a toxic relationship with their community hospital? ‘Safeguarding Healthcare’ host Dr David Rankin discusses such a scenario with Associate Professor Rex Prahbu, the Executive Medical Director at Swan Hill District Health in rural Victoria. Together they discuss how to repair relationships and maintain patient trust in small communities. They explore potential solutions through integration, rural generalist models, and innovative training pathways. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the following Podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators (RACMA). The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only, and should not be considered health, legal or financial advice. The cases discussed in the Podcast may be specific to the speaker’s organisation or location, and may not be applicable to other organisations, states, territories or countries. RACMA does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organisation presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. RACMA will not be held responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this Podcast. The Podcast may contain descriptions of health incidents that may be graphic and triggering for some people, so listener discretion is advised. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    25 min

  7. 06/17/2025

    Keeping things straight as a board

    How do hospital board members champion patient safety and good governance while dealing with complex information offered up by management? ‘Safeguarding Healthcare’ host Dr David Rankin probes this issue by presenting a difficult and thought-provoking scenario to Dr Peter Lowthian, an experienced medical administrator and board director. Together they discuss the role of the board in addressing worrying clinical trends, effective oversight, and maintaining the delicate balance between governance and management. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the following Podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators (RACMA). The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only, and should not be considered health, legal or financial advice. The cases discussed in the Podcast may be specific to the speaker’s organisation or location, and may not be applicable to other organisations, states, territories or countries. RACMA does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organisation presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. RACMA will not be held responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this Podcast. The Podcast may contain descriptions of health incidents that may be graphic and triggering for some people, so listener discretion is advised. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    29 min

  8. 06/03/2025

    A bully in theatre

    A surgeon’s outburst in the operating theatre leaves a nurse shaken, disrupting patient care and raising serious questions about workplace culture. How should medical leaders respond when bullying behaviors persist despite previous warnings? In this episode, Professor Matt Sabin, Group Director of Medical Services and Clinical Governance at Cabrini Health, joins Dr David Rankin to explore the challenges of addressing disruptive doctors, setting behavioral standards, and ensuring accountability in high-pressure environments. Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the following Podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators (RACMA). The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only, and should not be considered health, legal or financial advice. The cases discussed in the Podcast may be specific to the speaker’s organisation or location, and may not be applicable to other organisations, states, territories or countries. RACMA does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organisation presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. RACMA will not be held responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this Podcast. The Podcast may contain descriptions of health incidents that may be graphic and triggering for some people, so listener discretion is advised. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    23 min
See All (51)

Trailer

About

Safeguarding Healthcare leads you through the intricate corridors of hospitals, taking you behind closed doors on an extraordinary journey. This is the podcast that holds a stethoscope to the beating heart of hospitals to reveal the reasoning behind the clinical governance decision making process. Join host, Dr David Rankin, a 35-year veteran of medical administration, as he puts some of Australia’s most senior hospital managers in the hot seat to challenge them with major and often complex hypothetical challenges that reflect some of the most contentious issues facing modern medicine. This podcast offers an unfiltered view of the web of patient safety, medical ethics, and healthcare decision-making. Join us as we explore gripping topics, from the thorny questions surrounding patient consent to the implications of ground-breaking healthcare technologies. Each episode delves into the heart of healthcare, scrutinizing the decisions that impact patient well-being and safety.  Discover how these passionate professionals navigate medical minefields, striving to ensure the highest standards of care, all while grappling with a broad and ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Whether you're a seasoned healthcare practitioner, a patient seeking insight into the system, or simply curious about the inner workings of hospitals, this podcast offers an enlightening perspective on the complexities of modern medicine.

Information

  • Creator
    Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    51
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators
  • Show Website
    Safeguarding Healthcare