Heartbeat: Dr Phil talks bedside manner with colleagues
August 1, 2021
The Trust welcomed renowned doctor, comedian and journalist Dr Phil Hammond who performed on stage to a socially distanced audience as part of his visit to City Hospital.
Dr Phil, as he’s known, was not just there to provide the laughs though – he was there to chuckle himself by listening to some of the funnier stories from colleagues which will be featured in a special show broadcast on Radio 4 next month.
Those featured included Rev Mary Causer, our lead chaplain, who not only shared stories of the lighter side of being a confidant for patients, but also the support that she’d provided throughout the pandemic.
Mary said: “It was a pleasure spending time with Dr Phil and speaking about some of the delightful moments I have experienced at the Trust.
“Sometimes we tend to dwell on the negative but there is always a lighter side to life and it’s nice to be able to provide a laugh or two for someone else.”
Dr Phil also got to meet renowned catering assistant Anthony Edwards, who’s known as Tony to most people.
During his interview with the famous medic, Tony, who is based at the kiosk Coffee Culture, revealed how he is one half of a comedy duo and regularly – before the pandemic – performed on stage.
He also shared how he had to tend to a patient who had collapsed in his kiosk. Dr Phil was so impressed with Tony, that he invited him to perform one of his songs on stage during the show at the Postgraduate Centre.
“There’s quite a few stories I could have told Dr Phil, but I guess then it would have turned into the Tony show,” laughed Tony
“It’s been a really tough year for so many so this was a really welcome change. It was an honour being asked to get up on stage with Phil and I think everyone enjoyed my performance too!”
He also met with Liza Gill, Volunteer Service Manager, who shared stories of how dedicated volunteers had been throughout the pandemic.
Dr Phil said: “It was an absolute joy returning to Birmingham, where both my kids were born, and meeting the rather wonderful staff, patients, carers and volunteers at City Hospital.
“I was very struck by the warmth, compassion and humour of the staff, and the fact that many of them had been with the hospital for so many years.
“I’ve just listened to the episode and it is the best yet, full of great stories, laughter, and a real sense of dedication and togetherness. Nurse Mary Parker’s laugh should be available on prescription. And in Tony from the kiosk, a star is born…”
Dr Phil didn’t just mingle with staff – he also met with Malcolm Robinson, a patient who had undergone heart surgery performed by Dr Derek Connolly, Cardiologist.
Malcolm spoke about how he came close to death, but the actions of a passer-by giving him CPR saved his life. He now carries out CPR training to the young and old. Dr Phil was left impressed with Malcolm’s determination to pass on life-saving skills to others so that they too could act quickly to help if needed.
Our very own medics also spent some time with the presenter. Consultant paediatrician, Dr Nick Makwana gave him an insight into caring for the young and how his dances had lifted the spirits of colleagues during the pandemic.
Whilst consultant haematologist Dr Richard Murrin described the moment a patient asked for his autopsy report!