GIRFT in Action: Dr Martin Allen on Transforming TB Care Artwork

The TBPod

The TBPod is a podcast for clinicians and policymakers caring for patients with tuberculosis. The podcasts present discussions with expert clinicians, researchers, policymakers and advocates about their work in the field of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and is an important contributor to morbidity among migrants arriving in Australia and New Zealand. There are around 1300 reported cases of TB in Australia each year, and a further 300 in New Zealand. Included in these figures are cases of multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB which pose significant barriers to treatment and management of the disease. The Australian government has committed to the global elimination of TB by 2030, but to do so requires the development of innovative new strategies, based on high-quality research, that has national and international reach. These podcasts aim to engage and update those who are interested in the field of tuberculosis through discussions with leaders in the field of tuberculosis.

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The TBPod

GIRFT in Action: Dr Martin Allen on Transforming TB Care

May 22, 2026 • Actnet

0:00 | 34:48

Dr Martin Allen, Consultant Respiratory Physician at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire and National Clinical Lead for Respiratory Medicine within the GIRFT programme, joins Dr Jack Callum to discuss the development and impact of the GIRFT tuberculosis report across England and Scotland.

They explore how data-driven review and peer-led evaluations are uncovering gaps in TB care, from diagnostic delays to workforce challenges, and how these insights are driving local and national improvement. Dr Allen also reflects on translating recommendations into practice and the importance of shared learning across services as TB rates rise post-COVID.