The Kind Side podcast reaches 2,000 downloads

8 July 2025
The Kind Side's Frances Wood and Stacey Lewis, with Susan Pearce

The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) is celebrating a heartwarming milestone, with more than 2,000 downloads of The Kind Side – Stories from NSW Health, podcast since its launch in June 2024.

Created to nurture and amplify a culture of kindness in healthcare, The Kind Side shares real stories told by patients, carers and healthcare workers. Each episode offers a glimpse into everyday moments of compassion – reminding us that small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on the human experience of care.

Podcast co-creator ISLHD Partnering with Consumers Manager, Frances Wood, said the response to the podcast has been both humbling and inspiring.

“People working in healthcare know how much kindness matters, it can change someone’s whole experience of care,” Ms Wood said.“That these life-affirming stories are resonating not only with staff, but the broader community is deeply rewarding.

“It keeps us grounded in our purpose and committed to highlighting the powerful human connections that happen every day across NSW Health.”

The podcast was co-developed with carer and consumer Stacey Lewis and is supported by KINDLAB, a NSW Health initiative helping staff and consumers bring compassionate ideas to life. It offers an opportunity to build a more empathetic, connected, and human health system by listening to and learning from living experience.

Now featuring 29 episodes, ranging from 20 to 45 minutes, The Kind Side is available on audio streaming services, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music/Audible, or online https://thekindside.podbean.com
The five most downloaded episodes are:

  • Susan Pearce AM Secretary NSW Health - Leading with Kindness: A Heartfelt Journey in Healthcare;
  • Dan's Story - Working in Aboriginal Health;
  • Finding Compassion - Margaret's poetic journey through mental health;
  • Karen - Living with positivity and chronic illness; and
  • Edna - A hospital senior doctor.

Laura Bryce, who featured in the episode Rose – A Broken Leg but Resilient Spirit, was the first patient interviewed for the podcast. In reflecting on her experience, she spoke about the compassion she received from both strangers and healthcare staff after a fall that left her hospitalised with a broken ankle during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ms Bryce recalled how small gestures like a smile helped her feel seen and supported.

“Simple things like the staff introducing themselves with a smile. Those moments stayed with me,’’ Ms Bryce said.

“Also, the doctor who acknowledged my pain, not just physically but emotionally, with a gentle touch on the knee, helped validate what I was going though.

“I also think it’s important to remember that kindness in care goes both ways. When you show interest and appreciation to the people looking after you, it’s reflected right back. It creates a connection, and that connection can be healing in itself.”

The Kind Side complements NSW Health’s Small Acts of Kindness campaign, which showcases the extraordinary compassion shown by staff and volunteers across our system. ISLHD is proudly featured alongside other Local Health Districts in a new video series, which celebrates kindness at the heart of outstanding care.