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HOME · HEALTHCARE
Supporting healthcare organisations through critical communication moments.
Healthcare organisations face some of the most complex communication challenges of any sector. From patient trust and public confidence to organisational change, crisis response and media scrutiny, effective communication plays a critical role in every aspect of healthcare delivery.
Media First helps healthcare organisations create, test, develop and embed communication capability. Through consultancy, training, coaching, simulations and ongoing support, we help teams communicate with clarity, confidence and compassion when it matters most.
COMMUNICATION CHALLENGES
Communicating when trust matters most.
Healthcare organisations face some of the most complex communication challenges of any sector.
Whether you're communicating with patients, staff, regulators, stakeholders, local communities or the media, every interaction has the potential to influence trust, confidence and reputation.
From organisational change and service pressures to public health issues, patient safety concerns and crisis situations, healthcare leaders and communicators often need to explain difficult decisions while maintaining confidence and transparency.
At Media First, we help healthcare organisations develop the strategies, skills and confidence needed to communicate clearly, authentically and effectively when it matters most.
Trusted by healthcare organisations.
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We wanted to test our Corporate Communications team and senior leaders in a realistic crisis situation. We chose Media First because they already understand our business through the media training they provide for us, and we know that they have working journalists who would be able to put us through us our paces. And they didn't disappoint. The feedback Media First have given us has been invaluable and we have already sharpened up our processes as a result."
Caroline sharp, Head of Communications, Simplyhealth
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I find facilitators at Media First are honest yet constructive – this may be tough for the delegates to hear yet it’s critical to their development and future success. There’s little value to investing in a course where delegates are not given advice on what they should work on or improve. I think the delegates appreciate getting genuine feedback which isn’t all positive. It provides clarity and direction on their development journey."
Amanda Leonard-Embury (ACIPD), Learning & Organisational Development Manager, GMC Master Coach
It’s really pleasing to watch someone with very little media experience develop throughout the day. The increase in ability and confidence is visible for all to see. This is down to the trainers and the way the course is planned and delivered. You get a real sense of how it will be in a real life scenario."
Grant Fisher, Head of Communications & Marketing, Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust
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Media First's training has given our people the skills and confidence to be able to handle any kind of interview successfully. The calibre of journalists has always had a positive impact on our attendees and they have all enjoyed the highly practical approach of learning different interview techniques."
Steve Painter, Head of Corporate Communications, Bayer UK & Ireland
FAQS
Frequently asked questions.
Have you worked with healthcare organisations before?
Yes. We have extensive experience supporting healthcare organisations across the NHS, private healthcare, healthcare charities, professional bodies, pharmaceutical organisations and healthcare suppliers.
Our experience means we quickly understand the communication challenges facing healthcare organisations, from patient confidence and public scrutiny to organisational change, leadership communication and crisis preparedness.
How can you help our organisation?
Our support typically falls into four areas: create, test, develop and embed communication capability.
We help healthcare organisations create effective communication strategies and frameworks, test plans and preparedness through realistic exercises and simulations, develop confident communicators through training and coaching, and embed lasting capability through consultancy, ongoing support and continuous development.
Whether you're focused on patient communication, stakeholder engagement, leadership visibility, organisational change, media relations or crisis preparedness, we can help.
Will your team understand the healthcare sector?
Yes.
Our team has extensive experience working across healthcare and understands the unique pressures organisations face, including public scrutiny, operational challenges, workforce pressures, patient expectations and regulatory oversight.
We take time to understand your organisation, audiences and objectives to ensure our support is relevant, practical and tailored to your environment.
Can you help us communicate more effectively with patients, staff and stakeholders?
Absolutely.
Healthcare organisations often need to communicate with a wide range of audiences, each with different needs, concerns and priorities.
We help leaders and teams develop clear messaging, communicate complex issues more effectively and build stronger engagement with patients, staff, stakeholders, partners and local communities.
Can you help us prepare for media scrutiny?
Yes.
Healthcare organisations frequently find themselves under intense public and media scrutiny, particularly during periods of service pressure, organisational change, critical incidents or major announcements.
We help spokespeople communicate with confidence, respond to difficult questions, deliver clear messages and engage effectively with journalists and broadcasters.
Can you help us prepare for a crisis or serious incident?
Yes.
Effective communication is critical during healthcare crises and high-pressure situations.
We help organisations review communication plans, prepare leaders and spokespeople, test processes through realistic simulations and ensure teams are ready to communicate effectively during incidents, emergencies and reputational challenges.
Our approach helps organisations build confidence before they need it most.
Do you only provide training?
No.
While training remains an important part of what we do, many healthcare organisations work with us on consultancy projects, communication reviews, crisis preparedness exercises, leadership communication programmes, coaching and longer-term capability-building initiatives.
We often combine several services to help organisations create lasting communication capability and resilience.
How do you help organisations embed learning and create lasting change?
We believe communication capability should be created, tested, developed and embedded.
That's why we combine consultancy, coaching, simulations, practical application and continuous learning through Thirty Seven. This enables organisations to reinforce learning, strengthen behaviours and continue building confidence long after an initial programme has ended.
Our goal isn't simply to improve performance during a workshop. It's to help healthcare organisations develop lasting communication capability.
Where can your support be delivered?
That's entirely up to you.
We work with healthcare organisations throughout the UK and internationally, delivering consultancy, training, coaching and exercises both in person and online.
Many clients choose to use our dedicated TV, radio and podcast studios in Berkshire, while others prefer delivery at their own sites or virtually through Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
We'll recommend the option that best supports your objectives, people and budget.
How quickly can you understand our organisation and challenges?
Usually much faster than clients expect.
Our experience across the healthcare sector means we quickly become familiar with organisational structures, stakeholder groups, communication challenges and operational pressures. We'll ask the right questions, review the right materials and work closely with your team to ensure our support is tailored to your objectives.
We'll do the heavy lifting, allowing your people to focus on delivering services while ensuring our support feels relevant, practical and aligned with your organisation's needs.