Health and social care staff in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) who work on integrated care, helping improve the lives of their patients in the area now have their first ever podcast.

Over 70,000 people work in health and social care and the Integrated Care Board (ICB) has created a series of podcasts highlighting some of the great work taking place across the area.

Recorded at Leicester's well-established EAVA FM studios and fronted by well-known East Midlands presenter Geeta Pendse, the podcasts are believed to be the first for an integrated care board.

LLR is home to 1.1million people living in hugely different circumstances with different needs. From the countryside, towns and villages across the two counties, to one of the most diverse inner-city populations in the whole of the UK, a 70,000 strong health and social care workforce operates in hugely challenging times.

The podcast series includes features on supporting frail or older patients who have suffered from falls; young people who have been victims of violent crime and virtual wards – caring for people in their own home.

David Sissling, Chair of the Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: "We are delighted to be sharing this series of podcasts showcasing some of the great work taking place in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

"I would encourage everyone to listen to the podcasts to find out how our joined-up services are making a difference to local people and to hear how we are innovating and making use of technology to improve clinical outcomes.

"There is some amazing work taking place across our health and care services and I would like to thank our dedicated workforce for all they do to meet the needs of our diverse local population."

Podcast one featured the Integrated Care Board's Chair David Sissling as well as an interview with DHU Healthcare clinical service lead Gary Bonser talking about the urgent falls service in the area. Listeners can learn about the partnership work keeping care home residents safe, as well as how services are combined to help young victims of violent crime.

The focus of the second episode which will be available from Friday morning, 10 March, will be winter pressures in the area, Covid vaccine hesitancy and an insight into the cancer screening service.

In episode three the spotlight will be on virtual wards for patients with heart and lung disease, neighbourhood teams who support people with mental health needs and also a focus on how skin cancer checks are happening in the community, reducing the need for patients to make a trip to a hospital.

The podcasts will be released on a weekly basis every Friday morning and can be found on the LRR Health and Wellbeing Partnership website.