Research Reflections - Women’s experiences of living with multiple long-term conditions

Welcome to the first episode of our new series, 'Research Reflections'!This series is a deep dive into our research projects - we aim to introduce our listeners to our recently published research projects. In this episode, our Research Manager Dr Kate Mahoney talks to Lorna Orriss-Dib, our Research Officer, about her report published today exploring women's experiences of living with multiple long-term conditions. They are joined by Sarah Isaacs, who first joined the project as a participant and has since become a Research Ambassador. Resources mentioned:·       Stallinglife expectancy ·       Disbeliefin healthcare for women with energy-limiting conditions·       Weight stigma·       Rapport betweenclinicians and those with a higher BMI·       Compassionatecare, weight and eye contact 

In this episode we meet Sarah, Katie and Donna from the Rayleigh Endometriosis Support Group who all shared their lived experiences of endometriosis with us.They talked about the difficulties getting diagnosed, and then the challenges once diagnosed of finding support that works for them. This episode contains discussions of fertility, menstrual health, mental health and suicide.If you have been affected by anything discussed in the episode and would like to get support, speak to our Information and Guidance team - https://healthwatchessex.org.uk/speak-to-our-team/Rayleigh Support Group - https://www.rayleighanddistrictpcn.nhs.uk/endometriosis

In this episode, Christie shares her story of being diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis (PSA) as a young person. We talk about the misconceptions around arthritis and how the condition affects her life, from friendships to work. Christie volunteers for Arthritis UK - find out more about them here https://www.arthritis-uk.org/If you have been affected by anything discussed on our podcast and would like to accept support, get in touch with our Information and Guidance team https://healthwatchessex.org.uk/speak-to-our-team/

Please note that in this episode we discuss suicide and sexual violence/sexual stigma.In this episode, we speak to Nick Hulme, CEO of East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, about his career in the NHS as he approaches retirement.Nick shares his biggest achievements, what would surprise people about working in a hospital, and his thoughts on the future of health and of listening to patient experiences.If you have been affected by anything discussed in this podcast and would like to access support, get in touch with our Information and Guidance team - https://healthwatchessex.org.uk/speak-to-our-team/

In this episode we spoke to Sarah, one of our Collaborate Essex forum members, about her experience of having a stroke and how her life has changed as a result. She told us about how she found out she had had a stroke, what helped her most in adjusting to life after stroke, and the advice she would give to others who have recently experienced a stroke.We also spoke to Louise from the Stroke Association, an organisation which supported Sarah in her recovery and now gives Sarah a platform to share her story.Find out more about the Stroke Association here - www.stroke.org.ukIf you have been affected by anything discussed on our podcast, you can contact our Information and Guidance team for support - https://healthwatchessex.org.uk/speak-to-our-team/

In this episode, both our interviewer Alicia and our guest Emily share the same condition – underactive thyroids. They compare their lived experiences of living with the condition, including diagnosis and treatment, the impact on their day to day lives and how it will require lifelong monitoring. Please note this episode contains discussions about weight and mental health. If you are affected by anything discussed on our podcast and would like to access support, get in touch with our Information and Guidance team.Links mentioned:https://thyroiduk.org/https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/underactive-thyroid-hypothyroidism/Different laboratories have different reference ranges forhealthy thyroid levels – you can find out more information here ⁠https://www.btf-thyroid.org/thyroid-function-tests⁠

This podcast episode is part of our Living Beyond Cancer project, which explores life after cancer treatment.In this episode we speak to Kirstie, who shares the challenges she faced with returning to work after cancer and what support has helped her. Kirstie now runs her own coaching business after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 - https://www.breastcancercoaching.co.uk/ You can find out more about our Living Beyond Cancer project here - https://healthwatchessex.org.uk/2025/06/living-beyond-cancer/

Please note that this episode contains discussions of abuse.In this episode, we speak to Jeff, who was born in a Mother and Baby Home in Northern Ireland in the 1970s. He describes how his mother was placed in the institution when she became pregnant at age 14 as a result of rape. Jeff shares how this has affected them both and how they are now sharing their experiences as part of a national inquiry into the scandal around these homes.You can read more about Jeff's story on our website - https://healthwatchessex.org.uk/2025/09/jeffs-story-mother-and-baby-homes/ If you would like to access support for anything discussed on our podcast, please get in touch with our team - https://healthwatchessex.org.uk/speak-to-our-team/

Please note that this episode contains discussions of bereavement. In this episode we speak to Mary, who lost her granddaughter Maisie to meningitis 17 years ago. Mary shares Maisie's experience of meningitis and the long lasting impacts on their family. Mary is now a volunteer for Meningitis Now, raising awareness to help others get the help they need sooner.If you have been affected by anything discussed in this episode, please get in touch with our Information and Guidance team - https://healthwatchessex.org.uk/speak-to-our-team/ Meningitis Now - https://www.meningitisnow.org/

In this episode we speak to Faye, our newest Young Mental Health Ambassador, about her mental health experiences. Faye shares how she found out that she has BPD(Borderline Personality Disorder) in a letter at 18 years old and her experiences of mental health treatment.Faye is now a Miss Continental UK 2025 finalist and uses her modelling platform to raise awareness of mental health. Follow her journey online @fayeex___If you have been affected by anything discussed on the podcast and would like to seek support, get in touch with our Information and Guidance Team https://healthwatchessex.org.uk/speak-to-our-team/