In this episode, Caroline Verdon interviews Mark Cahill, the first person in the UK to receive a hand transplant. Mark shares his experience from the life-altering procedure on Boxing Day 2012 to the practical and emotional impacts it has had on his daily life, including saving his wife's life during a cardiac arrest. He discusses his initial condition, the decision-making process for the transplant, and his life post-operation, offering advice to others considering this transformative surgery.

Produced by Under the Mast, this podcast is presented by Caroline Verdon

You can find out more about hand and upper limb transplants at LEEDS TEACHING HOSPITALS NHS TRUST here

00:00 Introduction to Leeds Hand Transplant Team

00:33 Mark Cahill's Journey to Hand Transplant

02:03 Life After the Transplant

03:41 The Emotional Impact and Family Support

08:49 Advice for Potential Hand Transplant Recipients

10:21 Conclusion and Future of Hand Transplants

In this episode, host Caroline Verdon interviews John Paul McGrail, who shares his compelling story of navigating life after losing his right arm in a car accident in 2006. He describes the challenges of using a prosthetic for over a decade and the life-changing encounter with a customer that led him to consider a hand transplant. John Paul recounts his journey through psychological assessments, the emotional and practical implications of the transplant, and the profound impact it has had on his life. He also touches on the emotional aspects of knowing a donor was involved and how his life and capabilities have changed since the surgery.

Produced by Under the Mast, this podcast is presented by Caroline Verdon

You can find out more about hand and upper limb transplants at LEEDS TEACHING HOSPITALS NHS TRUST here

00:00 Introduction to Leeds Hand Transplant Team

00:30 John Paul's Accident and Initial Struggles

02:47 Discovering the Hand Transplant Option

05:04 The Referral and Initial Consultations

08:03 The Psychological and Physical Assessments

17:16 The Call for the Transplant

21:41 Post-Transplant Experiences and Reflections

31:12 Comparing Prosthetics to the Transplanted Hand

32:25 Preview of the Next Episode

In Episode 9 of 'In Safe Hands', host Caroline Verdon delves into the intricate and rarely discussed topic of limb donation, crucial for hand transplants. The episode features insights from Andrew Mawson Lees, an organ donation specialist nurse, who explains the complexities involved in determining eligibility for organ and limb donation, and the emotional and procedural challenges faced by the donor families. The discussion also covers the misconceptions about the process, the rarity of suitable donors, and the profound impact on recipients. Listeners also get a preview of an upcoming story featuring John-Paul McGrail, whose life was transformed by a hand transplant following a chance encounter at work.

Produced by Under the Mast, this episode discusses the intricacies and emotional challenges of limb donation . The podcast is presented by Caroline Verdon

You can find out more about hand and upper limb transplants at LEEDS TEACHING HOSPITALS NHS TRUST here

00:00 Introduction to Leeds Hand Transplant Team

00:35 Understanding Limb Donation

01:54 Eligibility and Misconceptions

03:46 The Emotional Impact on Families

04:54 Navigating Difficult Conversations

06:09 The Donation Process

08:06 Challenges and Rarity of Limb Donation

14:52 The Surgical Procedure

20:16 Meeting the Recipients

22:55 Preview of Next Episode