Meet Dr Corinna Midgley: Compassion, Experience and the Heart of Palliative Care
For the second episode of our brand-new podcast, The Hospice Heart, host Ryan Curtis sits down with Dr Corinna Midgley, Medical Director at Saint Francis Hospice, for a thoughtful and deeply human conversation about palliative care, living well and supporting people through life's most challenging moments.
Having dedicated 25 years to Saint Francis Hospice, Corinna has helped shape and lead services that support people living with a wide range of life-limiting illnesses. But as listeners will discover, her approach is about far more than medicine.
"I think the best is that people can live their life well, even with an advanced progressive illness, that the illness doesn't get ahead of them, that they're ahead of the illness."
Throughout the episode, Corinna opens up about what good palliative care really means. She explains how hospice teams help people stay in control, manage symptoms and focus on what matters most, while providing support and reassurance for those around them.
One philosophy sits at the heart of her approach to care:
"Medically we're taught, 'What's the matter with you?' Actually, the shift is, 'What matters to you?'"
It is a simple but powerful reminder that every person's priorities, wishes and experiences are unique, and that truly compassionate care starts by listening.
One of the most memorable moments in the conversation comes when Corinna describes the role of hospice care as being:
"A rock in a storm."
It is a phrase that perfectly captures the support Saint Francis Hospice provides, giving people and their loved ones somewhere to turn when life feels overwhelming.
Corinna also challenges some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding hospices, explaining that palliative care is not about giving up, but about helping people live as well as possible.
"Don't be afraid of palliative care. It doesn't speed things up. It doesn't make things happen quicker. It just makes things a bit better and easier."
The conversation explores the importance of personalised care, dignity and ensuring every person remains at the centre of decisions about their care.
Listeners will also hear Corinna reflect on her own experiences of loss and how those experiences have shaped her understanding of grief, compassion and the importance of supporting people through some of life's most difficult moments.
Reflecting on what 25 years of hospice care has taught her about life, Corinna shares a message that is both simple and profound:
"Live it. Get yourself alive. Don't be scared to get involved. People matter."
Speaking with warmth, honesty and wisdom, Corinna shares why compassion lies at the heart of everything Saint Francis Hospice does and why no one should face serious illness, grief or uncertainty alone.
Her message is simple but powerful:
"If you're feeling overwhelmed, reach out. Don't do it alone. You're not alone."
This moving and uplifting episode offers a rare insight into the realities of palliative care, the importance of honest conversations and the extraordinary people who dedicate their lives to supporting others.
Whether you have personal experience of hospice care, are caring for a loved one, or simply want to better understand palliative care, Corinna's reflections will leave you feeling informed, reassured and inspired.
Listen to Episode 2 of The Hospice Heart and discover why palliative care is not just about end of life, but about helping people live well, stay connected and focus on what matters most.
