And now, time for a Coughy Break!

Welcome back to Coughy Break, the new show from the team that brought you the popular "Penny's Hill Practice Podcast".

In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley discuss the topic of Covid and Flu immunisations being given at the same time using "co-administration".

What are the advantages of giving the two together? What are the disadvantages?

Dr Geoff and Dr Sam look at the facts and the studies behind giving them together and lead you through how you will probably be having your Covid and Flu immunisations this coming winter.

If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at ⁠⁠hello@coughybreak.com⁠⁠  

Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break!

Legal Disclaimer

All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters.

Updated 24/9/25

Released 11/8/25

Show time 12 minutes 24 seconds

Music and audio under license

Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break!

Welcome to the first Coughy Break, the new show from the team that brought you the popular "Penny's Hill Practice Podcast".

In this show we are joined by our two hosts, Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley, who will introduce you to your new Coughy Break.

We enjoy bringing these shows to you and would like to thank you all, our listeners, for joining us and hope to have you here with us for many future shows.

If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at hello@coughybreak.com  

So, sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break!

Legal Disclaimer

All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters.

Released 8/8/25

Show time 3 minutes 24 seconds

Music and audio under license

Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

Welcome to Coughy Break, the medical podcast for patients by their GPs!

Coughy Break, the new show from the team that brought you the popular "Penny's Hill Practice Podcast".

We're well in to season one and already planning season two. So, what is Coughy Break? Did we realise we'd spelt "Coffee" wrong? Who are the GPs behind the microphones? And what is all the fuss about food and drink?

This special "best of" preview to season one answers all these questions and more, and also gives you some of our highlights so far!

There's more to come so keep listening and we hope to see you on a Coughy Break!

Released 18/2/26

Music and audio under license

Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break!

Welcome back to Coughy Break, the new show from the team that brought you the popular "Penny's Hill Practice Podcast".

In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley discuss the topic of prostate cancer and PSA testing. We discuss the pros and cons of PSA testing and help dispel some myths about what seeing your doctor with prostate symptoms may involve.

Dr Geoff and Dr Sam give you an easy to understand, digestible episode which will make everything clear.

Prostate Cancer UK's website is available at https://prostatecanceruk.org/

If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at ⁠⁠hello@coughybreak.com⁠⁠  

Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break!

Legal Disclaimer

All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters.

Released 20/10/25

Show time 10 minutes 06 seconds

Music and audio under license

Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break!

Welcome back to Coughy Break, the new show from the team that brought you the popular "Penny's Hill Practice Podcast".

With winter now definitely here, and here to stay it seems, in this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley discuss Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin!

Why is it called that? How much should you take? When should you take it? And surely you can't have too much of a good thing can you? And can you overdose on Vitamin D by being in the sun too long?

Dr Geoff and Dr Sam look at Vitamin D in this episode and tell you all you need to know. Have you started taking any yet?

If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at ⁠⁠hello@coughybreak.com⁠⁠  

Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break!

Legal Disclaimer

All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters.

Released 6/10/25

Show time 14 minutes 10 seconds

Music and audio under license

Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break!

Welcome back to Coughy Break, the new show from the team that brought you the popular "Penny's Hill Practice Podcast".

In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley discuss the NHS Childhood Immunisation Program, what it's about, why it's important, and who is eligible.

If you have any suggestions for topics you would likecovered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at ⁠⁠⁠hello@coughybreak.com⁠⁠⁠  

Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break!

Legal Disclaimer

All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical orhealthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters.

Released 22/9/25

Show time 10 minutes 35 seconds

Music and audio under license

Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break!

Welcome back to Coughy Break, the new show from the teamthat brought you the popular "Penny's Hill Practice Podcast".

In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley discussthe topic of Hepatitis C.

Dr Geoff and Dr Sam explore how it may present, who is at risk, why it's important, and how to get tested.

For the NHS free home testing service, visit https://hepctest.nhs.uk/

If you have any suggestions for topics you would likecovered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at ⁠⁠hello@coughybreak.com⁠⁠  

Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break!

Legal Disclaimer

All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical orhealthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters.

Released 9/9/25

Show time 12 minutes 11 seconds

Music and audio under license

Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break!

Welcome back to Coughy Break, the new show from the team that brought you the popular "Penny's Hill Practice Podcast".

In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley discuss the topic of blood pressure and what makes a blood pressure high.

We talk about hypertension and the problems with running your pressures too high.

Dr Geoff and Dr Sam go through how to take your blood pressure correctly at home as well as suggesting places you might be able to go for a blood pressure check.

If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at ⁠⁠⁠hello@coughybreak.com⁠⁠⁠  

Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break!

Links we discussed

Blood pressure UK, how to check your blood pressure

Legal Disclaimer

All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters.

Released 26/8/25

Show time 14 minutes 16 seconds

Music and audio under license

Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break!

Welcome back to Coughy Break!

Painful, swollen toe. Must be gout. But how can it be? You don't drink port and you don't eat cheese, well not that much anyway! And when was the last pheasant or grouse you ate? Never. So, can't be gout then surely!

In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley discuss the topic of gout. It is surprisingly common, surprisingly painful, and generally not fun at all.

Dr Geoff and Dr Sam look at the facts and give you the latest information about how to diagnose it, how to treat it, and how to prevent it. And whether or not port is the cure, or the cause!

If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at 

Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break!

UK Gout Society https://www.ukgoutsociety.org/

Legal Disclaimer

All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters.

Released 2/3/26

Show time 18 minutes 26 seconds

Music and audio under license

Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break!

Welcome back to Coughy Break.

In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley are joined by a very special guest. Gareth Hall is the Microsoft global health and lifesciences solutions team lead based in Seattle, Washington. He has experience of working in the NHS and healthcare as well as working at Microsoft HQ in Washington.

Dr Geoff and Dr Sam speak with Gareth and look at the current situation regarding AI in healthcare, medicine, science and technology, as well as exploring what the pitfalls are, what safeguards are in place, and what the future might hold for us.

If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at hello@coughybreak.com

Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break!

Legal Disclaimer

All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters.

Released 16/2/26

Show time 55 minutes 06 seconds

Music and audio under license

Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

Welcome back to Coughy Break!

Sometimes the help we need isn't in a blister pack, a medicine bottle, or a cardboard box with a chemist label on. Sometimes we need the expert help of others, those who work alongside our GPs.

In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley are joined by two of our experts, Xanthe Grace, a Health Coach, and Chris Shuter, a Social Prescriber.

Dr Geoff and Dr Sam explore what Health Coaching and Social Prescribing is, how it can help, and how to access these amazing resources.

If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at

Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break!

Guest information

Xanthe works for our partner organisation Help and Care. They are a local charity working in Dorset, and for over 40 years have helped thousands of individuals navigate life’s challenges and opportunities.

They work across the south of England to provide information, advice, and direct support to people who need it most. They can be accessed through GP or other health professional referrals, or directly through their website helpandcare.org.uk or by calling 0300 111 3303.

Legal Disclaimer

All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters.

Released 2/2/26

Show time 39 minutes 59 seconds

Music and audio under license

Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break!

Welcome back to Coughy Break!

We hope you have all had a very Merry Christmas and would like to wish you a Happy New Year!

Have you made your New Year's Resolutions yet? Any thoughts about dusting off those running shoes and getting a gym membership?

Or maybe what about those GLP1s we keep hearing about? Can Mounjaro melt the fat away, can Wegocy make you slim, will Rybelsus get you to drop 6 inches from your waist, and is it worth getting some from your hairdresser's friend at the pub?

In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley discuss the topic of GLP1s for weight loss.

Dr Geoff and Dr Sam look at the facts and give you the latest information about how they work, their side effects, their important safety warnings, if they work or are they just hype, and eveything you should know if you are thinking about starting on them.

If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at hello@coughybreak.com

Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break!

General Pharmaceutical Council https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/

Pharmaceutical Society of NI https://psni.org.uk/

Legal Disclaimer

All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters.

Released 19/1/26

Show time 30 minutes 28 seconds

Music and audio under license

Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break!

Welcome back to Coughy Break, the new show from the team that brought you the popular "Penny's Hill Practice Podcast".

In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley discuss internet searching your symptoms, turning to AI to diagnose your aches and pains, and relying on a chatbot to tell you the best course of action for your headache.

AI and the internet are not inherently bad, but you need to know how to use these tools to keep them the most helpful.

Dr Geoff and Dr Sam look at the increasing use of AI and internet searching your symptoms.

And don't forget to listen all the way to the end...

If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at ⁠⁠hello@coughybreak.com⁠⁠  

Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break!

Legal Disclaimer

All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters.

Released 5/1/26

Show time 10 minutes 06 seconds

Music and audio under license

Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break!

Welcome back to Coughy Break, the new show from the team that brought you the popular "Penny's Hill Practice Podcast".

In this festive Christmas morning episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley talk about hangovers! You might have one this morning, or might be wondering how to avoid one in the next few days, and this show tells you all the secrets behind hangovers, what they are, what causes them, how to treat them, and how to avoid them.

And we're joined by a very very special guest this morning- I wonder who they might be?

Join us in front of the log fire and enjoy a cup of festive coffee with us to start the show, and raise a glass of alcohol-free fizz with us at the end of the show.

If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at ⁠⁠⁠hello@coughybreak.com⁠⁠⁠  

Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break!

If you need any help with alcohol, here are some links:

NHS Alcohol Support- https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-advice/alcohol-support/

DrinkAware- https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/

Alcohol Change UK- https://alcoholchange.org.uk/

Alcoholic's Anonymous- https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/

Turning Point- https://www.turning-point.co.uk/

With You- https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/

 Legal Disclaimer

All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters.

Released 25/12/25

Show time 34 minutes 23 seconds

Music and audio under license

Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break!

Welcome back to Coughy Break, the new show from the team that brought you the popular "Penny's Hill Practice Podcast".

In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley discuss the topic of sore throats. What causes them, what to look out for, how to treat them, and what to be careful of.

Dr Geoff and Dr Sam look at the facts and give you the latest information about how to soothe that sore throat.

If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at ⁠⁠hello@coughybreak.com⁠⁠  

Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break!

Legal Disclaimer

All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters.

Released 8/12/25

Show time 16 minutes 54 seconds

Music and audio under license

Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break!

Welcome back to Coughy Break, the new show from the team that brought you the popular "Penny's Hill Practice Podcast".

In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley discuss the topic of Norovirus, what is is, how you get it, how to look after yourself, and how to stop it spreading.

Dr Geoff and Dr Sam look at the facts and explode some incorrect facts in this winter episode.

If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at ⁠⁠hello@coughybreak.com⁠⁠  

Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break!

Legal Disclaimer

All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters.

Released 17/11/25

Show time 14 minutes 40 seconds

Music and audio under license

Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break!

Welcome back to Coughy Break, the new show from the team that brought you the popular "Penny's Hill Practice Podcast".

In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley discuss the topic of Winter Health now that summer has truly up and left us. Listen and thaw out as Dr Geoff and Dr Sam defrost some common Winter Health topics and look at the some ways of keeping well.

If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at ⁠⁠hello@coughybreak.com⁠⁠  

Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break!

Legal Disclaimer

All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters.

Released 3/11/25

Show time 15 minutes 33 seconds

Music and audio under license

Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production