The Prescription Strength Podcast

Emergency medicine consultant Professor Rob Galloway joins me to talk about what is really happening inside A&E departments across the NHS.
This conversation was prompted by an article Rob wrote describing the current pressures in emergency care — corridor care, ambulance delays, and the growing mismatch between what the NHS was originally designed to treat and the illnesses now filling hospitals.
We discuss why the system is struggling, the consequences for patients and staff, and why the solution isn’t simply more money but a fundamental rethink of prevention, primary care and how demand is managed.
Rob also shares the personal story behind his charity Rare People, which funds research into treatments for rare diseases following his daughter’s diagnosis with a rare genetic condition.
Corridor care and the normalisation of unsafe conditions

Ambulance delays and hidden system failures

Why the NHS model struggles with chronic disease

Risk in general practice and emergency medicine

Defensive medicine and increasing investigation

Lifestyle illness and demand on emergency services

Falls, strength and long-term health

Rare disease research and Rob’s charity Rare People

Rare People charity:
https://rarepeople.org

Download my FREE 3 day plan :Start Strength training Safely https://www.prescriptionstrength.co.uk/3-day-strength-start/Get my Weekly Newsletter here https://bit.ly/3LkdrLGIn this video I outline the reasons that get in the way for most people when it comes to starting strength training. Don't let that be you.

Is Weight Training Safe with High Blood Pressure?
The Truth About Valsalva and Blood Pressure SpikesDr Lynette Ewart, an NHS GP and personal trainer, challenges fear-based advice that people with high blood pressure should avoid lifting heavy weights, bracing or the Valsalva manoeuvre.
She outlines who should be cautious, why fears are exaggerated and unfounded.

00:00 Myth Busting Warnings00:34 Why People Fear Lifting02:05 Blood Pressure Fluctuations03:09 Valsalva Explained04:39 Who Needs Caution05:33 How Hard To Train06:21 Fear Versus Progress06:55 Final Takeaways

Pelvic floor symptoms are common, treatable, and don’t mean you have to give up exercise. In this episode, pelvic health physiotherapist Clare Bourne, author of Strong Foundations, explains what prolapse really is, how physio helps, and why strength training isn’t the enemy.
We discuss:
• What pelvic organ prolapse actually means (and why symptoms matter more than grades)
• Stress vs urge incontinence — and how treatment differs
• What happens at a pelvic health physio appointment
• Why “just do your Kegels” isn’t enough
• Bladder retraining and common irritants (caffeine, fizzy drinks, alcohol)
• The overlooked role of constipation
• Pessaries as practical support
• Lifting weights safely and confidently

Bottom line: Pelvic floor issues are not a life sentence. With the right guidance, most women can improve symptoms and stay active.

Book link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Strong-Foundations-pregnancy-postpartum-perimenopause/dp/0008604223/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

A pocket prescription episode .
Episode Summary
If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you’ve probably been told to walk more. That’s good advice — but it’s not the whole picture.
In this episode, I explain why resistance training is one of the most underused tools in blood pressure management. The evidence shows it can lower blood pressure just as effectively as cardio — while also improving metabolic health, vascular function, and long-term strength and independence.
We’ll cover:
Why small reductions in blood pressure matter

What strength training actually does to your blood vessels

How it improves insulin sensitivity and metabolic health

What this realistically looks like in a normal week

Cardio isn’t wrong. It’s just incomplete.
If you’re managing hypertension, strength training should be part of the prescription.
The video version of this episode is available on YouTube.