UHNM physiotherapist presents at prestigious TEDxNHS reconnected

A physiotherapist from University Hospitals of North Midlands has spoken at this year’s prestigious TEDxNHS reconnected to raise the profile and importance of improving care for older people.

TED which brings together the world’s leading thinkers and doers to share ideas that matter created TEDx, a programme of local volunteer-led events that bring together people to share a TED-like experience.

Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Ian Tyrrell was successfully chosen to talk about elderly and frail care with his talk being called “Why I am afraid to grow old” in march and received support and coaching to prepare for the event which was streamed live on Tuesday 23 August. 

Ian, has worked at UHNM for seven years, said: “I am delighted I was successful with my application to take part in TEDxNHS reconnected. It was so surreal being up there with an audience after practising for so many months. It was such an amazing day and I feel like my talk was really well received. I am so happy I have done it.”

Passionate about improving the care of older people, Ian chose stories which highlight how care can be adaptable to change if it is understood.

Ian said: “I chose the subject because we are all going to get old someday. And unwittingly and despite our best efforts we can cause harm to older patients. So, we need to be honest and open on how we improve the services for older people, not just for the patients receiving that care today, but ultimately for ourselves in the future.”

He added: “All people have a story and we can treat people better by understanding them more, which will ultimately have the best outcome for them.”

Ian hopes his talk has made a positive impact and in time, all professions will come together and think about how we would like to be treated in the future.

If you missed it live, you will be able to watch it back at www.tedxnhs.com soon.