Bath Institute for Rheumatic Diseases

Mel Brooke
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Bimonthly

Our podcasts aim to inform and help people better understand and manage their rheumatic conditions. You can listen by clicking the 'play' button next to the podcast you want to listen to, you can also listen via our BIRD website podcast page or one of the popular podcast platforms (see 'Where to Listen' icons) When you've listened we'd love to know what you think so please remember to complete our e-survey (link in the podcast description) Thank you!

  1. Mar 2

    Soft Tissue Problems in Arthritis with Dr Will Tillett

    Listen or watch along as we discuss Soft Tissue Problems in Arthritis. In this episode, podcast host Mel Brooke, BIRDs Patient and Public Engagement Programme talks with Dr Will Tillett, Consultant Rheumatologist & Head of Rheumatology  at the RNHRD,  RUH Bath.. We explore soft tissue problems — the tendons, muscles and ligaments and other structures that sit around the joint rather than inside it. We also discuss how these problems are diagnosed and when diagnostic imaging techniques like ultrasound or MRI might help. Useful Links: www.arthritis-uk.org BIRD Podcasts Connect further with us: Have questions or thoughts about our information Podcast library?  Interested in joining BIRDs patient research panel?  Email Mel at  ⁠ppe@birdbath.org.uk⁠ Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us continue sharing information that matters! The Patient and Public Engagement Programme has been supported by hands-off sponsorships from Eli Lilly and Company Limited, UCB and Amgen -all of whom have provided grant funding but who have were not involved in the development, content or editorial control of this podcast, nor the subsequent review and approval of these materials or general running of the patient and public engagement programme. We would also like to thank The Arnold Clark Community Fund, The Cumber Family Charitable Trust, Medlock Charitable Trust, The Ray Harris Charitable Trust and The Hospital Saturday Fund. Thank you to all our sponsors for helping us to bring you information that supports you and helps to increase your knowledge of rheumatic diseases. Please visit the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BIRD website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for news at ⁠www.birdbath.org.uk

    30 min

  2. Jan 27

    Beyond the Physical: Mental Wellbeing in Rheumatic Disease with Dr Natalie Slay

    Listen or watch along as we talk about Psychological support service at the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases (RNHRD), Bath UK. In this episode, podcast host Mel Brooke, BIRDs Patient and Public Engagement Programme talks with Dr Natalie Slay, Specialist Clinical Psychologist  at the RNHRD,  RUH Bath about the emotional and psychological side of living with rheumatic disease. We explore how diagnosis affects identity, why stress and overwhelm are so common, and how simple tools like self-compassion and the “stress bucket” can help people understand their mental load and find steadier ways to cope. Useful Links: Wren Project NHS Every Mind matters Talking Therapies (NHS) 5 Steps to Mental Wellbeing (NHS) Other resources mentioned: ⁠Stress bucket⁠ ⁠Resource pack⁠ ⁠Explaining threat-drive-soothe⁠  I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest with You” a book by Miranda Hart  - (available in book stores) Paul Gilbert and the Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) - (you can search for this on the internet) Connect further with us: Have questions or thoughts about our information Podcast library?  Interested in joining BIRDs patient research panel?  Email Mel at  ppe@birdbath.org.uk Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us continue sharing information that matters! The Patient and Public Engagement Programme has been supported by hands-off sponsorships from Eli Lilly and Company Limited, UCB and Amgen -all of whom have provided grant funding but who have were not involved in the development, content or editorial control of this podcast, nor the subsequent review and approval of these materials or general running of the patient and public engagement programme. We would also like to thank The Arnold Clark Community Fund, The Cumber Family Charitable Trust, Medlock Charitable Trust, The Ray Harris Charitable Trust and The Hospital Saturday Fund. Thank you to all our sponsors for helping us to bring you information that supports you and helps to increase your knowledge of rheumatic diseases. Please visit the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BIRD website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for news at www.birdbath.org.uk

    45 min

  3. 12/18/2025

    Vasculitis Treatment Updates and New Guidelines (part 1)- with Dr Sarah Skeoch

    Listen or watch along as we explore the changes in Vasculitis treatments since our first series in 2020. In this episode, podcast host Mel Brooke, BIRDs Patient and Public Engagement Programme talks with Dr Sarah Skeoch, Consultant Rheumatologist at the RNHRD, RUH Bath about new guidelines and changes in ANCAVasculitis.  We learn how, in the past few years, new treatments have arrived, how steroid use has been re-thought and because there is a lot of new information, we’ll focus more specifically on ANCA-associated vasculitis in this episode and how newer medications are helping to reshape care.   We are planning to come back and cover Giant Cell Arteritis and other types of Vasculitis in Spring when more new guidelines are due out.   Useful Links: ⁠ The Voices Study: https://www.vasculitisint.com/voices/   The New Vasculitis Guidelines: https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article/64/8/4470/8160140   UK Vasculitis: https://www.vasculitis.org.uk   UKIVAS (Registry Study) https://ukivas.ndorms.ox.ac.uk ⁠Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, RUH Bath⁠ Connect further with us: Have questions or thoughts about our information Podcast library?  Interested in joining BIRDs patient research panel?  Email Mel at  ppe@birdbath.org.uk Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us continue sharing information that matters! The Patient and Public Engagement Programme has been supported by hands-off sponsorships from Eli Lilly and Company Limited, UCB and Amgen -all of whom have provided grant funding but who have were not involved in the development, content or editorial control of this podcast, nor the subsequent review and approval of these materials or general running of the patient and public engagement programme. We would also like to thank The Arnold Clark Community Fund, The Cumber Family Charitable Trust, Medlock Charitable Trust, The Ray Harris Charitable Trust and The Hospital Saturday Fund. Thank you to all our sponsors for helping us to bring you information that supports you and helps to increase your knowledge of rheumatic diseases. Please visit the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BIRD website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for news.

    29 min

  4. 09/24/2025

    axSpA Revisited: axSpA 2025 BSR guidelines and treatment updates (Part 2) with Professor Raj Sengupta

    Listen or watch along as we dive into updates on axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) treatments and 'The 2025 British Society for Rheumatology guideline  for treatment of  axial Spondyloarthritis with biologic and targeted synthetic DMARDs'. In this episode, podcast host Mel Brooke, BIRDs Patient and Public Engagement Programme talks with Professor Raj Sengupta, Consultant rheumatologist  and Lead Consultant for Axial Spondyloarthritis at the RNHRD, RUH Bath about changes to axSpA treatments since our first series in 2020. Useful Links: ⁠BSR Guideline⁠ ⁠⁠National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society⁠⁠ ⁠Inhealthcare  ⁠ Connect further with us: Have questions or thoughts about our information Podcast library?  Interested in joining BIRDs patient research panel?  Email Mel at  ppe@birdbath.org.uk Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us continue sharing information that matters! The Patient and Public Engagement Programme has been supported by hands-off sponsorships from Eli Lilly and Company Limited, UCB and Amgen -all of whom have provided grant funding but who have were not involved in the development, content or editorial control of this podcast, nor the subsequent review and approval of these materials or general running of the patient and public engagement programme. We would also like to thank The Arnold Clark Community Fund, The Cumber Family Charitable Trust, Medlock Charitable Trust, The Ray Harris Charitable Trust and The Hospital Saturday Fund. Thank you to all our sponsors for helping us to bring you information that supports you and helps to increase your knowledge of rheumatic diseases. Please visit the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BIRD website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for news.

    23 min

  5. 09/24/2025

    axSpA Revisited: axSpA 2025 BSR guidelines and treatment updates (Part 1) with Professor Raj Sengupta

    Listen or watch along as we dive into updates on axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) treatments and 'The 2025 British Society for Rheumatology guideline  for treatment of  axial Spondyloarthritis with biologic and targeted synthetic DMARDs'. In this episode, podcast host Mel Brooke, BIRDs Patient and Public Engagement Programme talks with Professor Raj Sengupta, Consultant rheumatologist  and Lead Consultant for Axial Spondyloarthritis at the RNHRD, RUH Bath about changes to axSpA treatments since our first series in 2020. Useful Links: BSR Guideline ⁠National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society⁠ Inhealthcare   Connect further with us: Have questions or thoughts about our information Podcast library?  Interested in joining BIRDs patient research panel?  Email Mel at  ppe@birdbath.org.uk Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us continue sharing information that matters! The Patient and Public Engagement Programme has been supported by hands-off sponsorships from Eli Lilly and Company Limited, UCB and Amgen -all of whom have provided grant funding but who have were not involved in the development, content or editorial control of this podcast, nor the subsequent review and approval of these materials or general running of the patient and public engagement programme. We would also like to thank The Arnold Clark Community Fund, The Cumber Family Charitable Trust, Medlock Charitable Trust, The Ray Harris Charitable Trust and The Hospital Saturday Fund. Thank you to all our sponsors for helping us to bring you information that supports you and helps to increase your knowledge of rheumatic diseases. Please visit the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BIRD website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for news.

    25 min

  6. 09/09/2025

    axSpA Revisited: What’s changed in axSpA diagnosis since 2020 - with Dr Tom Williams

    Listen or watch along as we dive into the changing landscape of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) diagnosis. In this episode, podcast host Mel Brooke, BIRDs Patient and Public Engagement Programme talks with Dr Tom Williams, Consultant rheumatologist and Education Lead at the RNHRD, RUH Bath about changes to the axSpA diagnosis process since our first series in 2020. From persistent delays and the different experiences of women, to new tools like the NASS Playbook, PRIMIS pop-up, and Symptom Checker, we look at what’s helping clinicians and patients. We also touch on non-radiographic axSpA, the growing role of MRI, blood markers, and how to approach cases that aren’t clear-cut — before rounding off with some patient questions.  Useful Links: National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, RUH Bath Connect further with us: Have questions or thoughts about our information Podcast library?  Interested in joining BIRDs patient research panel?  Email Mel at  ppe@birdbath.org.uk Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us continue sharing information that matters! The Patient and Public Engagement Programme has been supported by hands-off sponsorships from Eli Lilly and Company Limited, UCB and Amgen -all of whom have provided grant funding but who have were not involved in the development, content or editorial control of this podcast, nor the subsequent review and approval of these materials or general running of the patient and public engagement programme. We would also like to thank The Arnold Clark Community Fund, The Cumber Family Charitable Trust, Medlock Charitable Trust, The Ray Harris Charitable Trust and The Hospital Saturday Fund. Thank you to all our sponsors for helping us to bring you information that supports you and helps to increase your knowledge of rheumatic diseases. Please visit the⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BIRD website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for news.

    39 min

  7. 02/21/2025

    Lower Gastrointestinal Issues in Systemic Sclerosis with Dr Vicky Flower

    In this episode, podcast host Mel Brooke, BIRDs Patient and Public Engagement Programme talks with Dr. Victoria Flower  about Gastrointestinal (GI) issues in Systemic Sclerosis This episode is part two of a two part series. This time we focus on the Lower GI talking about the movement of food through the lower GI tract and common issues one might experience such as  a sluggish bowel and bacterial overgrowth and symptoms like bloating and diarrhea. Vicky also talks us through treatment and self-management options, including dietary adjustments. Useful Links: Dysphagia (swallowing problems) - NHS Heartburn and acid reflux - NHS How to help a weak bladder - NHS Gastrointestinal Tract Involvement in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) | SRUK   Connect further with us: Have questions or thoughts about our information Podcast library?  Interested in joining BIRDs patient research panel?  Email Mel at  ppe@birdbath.org.uk Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us continue sharing information that matters! The Patient and Public Engagement Programme is supported by hands-off sponsorships from Eli Lilly and Company Limited, UCB and Amgen -all of whom have provided grant funding but who have were not involved in the development, content or editorial control of this podcast, nor the subsequent review and approval of these materials or general running of the patient and public engagement programme. We would also like to thank The Arnold Clark Community Fund, The Cumber Family Charitable Trust, Medlock Charitable Trust, The Ray Harris Charitable Trust and The Hospital Saturday Fund. Thank you to all our sponsors for helping us to bring you information that supports you and helps to increase your knowledge of rheumatic diseases. Please visit the⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BIRD website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for news.

    19 min

  8. 02/21/2025

    Upper Gastrointestinal issues in Systemic Sclerosis with Dr Vicky Flower

    In this episode, podcast host Mel Brooke, BIRDs Patient and Public Engagement Programme talks with Dr. Victoria Flower  about Gastrointestinal (GI) issues in Systemic Sclerosis This episode is part one of a two part series, with this first episode focussing on Upper GI issues and part two the Lower GI tract. We begin with a brief introduction around the whole  topic and run through issues such as reflux, difficulty swallowing, and similar symptoms that someone with Systemic Sclerosis might experience. Vicky then talks about treatment options and self-management approaches. Useful Links: ⁠Dysphagia (swallowing problems) - NHS Heartburn and acid reflux - NHS Connect further with us: Have questions or thoughts about our information Podcast library?  Interested in joining BIRDs patient research panel?  Email Mel at  ppe@birdbath.org.uk Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us continue sharing information that matters! The Patient and Public Engagement Programme is supported by hands-off sponsorships from Eli Lilly and Company Limited, UCB and Amgen -all of whom have provided grant funding but who have were not involved in the development, content or editorial control of this podcast, nor the subsequent review and approval of these materials or general running of the patient and public engagement programme. We would also like to thank The Arnold Clark Community Fund, The Cumber Family Charitable Trust, Medlock Charitable Trust, The Ray Harris Charitable Trust and The Hospital Saturday Fund. Thank you to all our sponsors for helping us to bring you information that supports you and helps to increase your knowledge of rheumatic diseases. Please visit the⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BIRD website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for news.

    18 min
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5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Our podcasts aim to inform and help people better understand and manage their rheumatic conditions. You can listen by clicking the 'play' button next to the podcast you want to listen to, you can also listen via our BIRD website podcast page or one of the popular podcast platforms (see 'Where to Listen' icons) When you've listened we'd love to know what you think so please remember to complete our e-survey (link in the podcast description) Thank you!

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