- What brought you to Healthwatch volunteering?
I was drawn to Healthwatch because of my passion for patient advocacy and healthcare policy. With my background in medicine and experience in both clinical and non-clinical healthcare settings, I wanted to contribute to improving patient experiences at a local level. Healthwatch provides a great opportunity to engage with communities, understand their challenges, and ensure their voices are heard in shaping healthcare services.
- What have you enjoyed being involved in this year?
This year, I’ve really enjoyed working on youth engagement and introducing young people to Healthwatch. Many young people aren’t aware that they have a voice in shaping healthcare services, so being able to bridge that gap and get them involved has been incredibly rewarding.
- Are there any local communities that you are passionate about hearing from or are involved with through other work or volunteering?
I’m particularly interested in hearing from young people and underserved communities who may face barriers to accessing healthcare. Through my work with Healthwatch and my role as a secondary school governor, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to ensure these voices are included in decision-making. I’m also passionate about understanding the experiences of those navigating the NHS as first-time users, whether they’re migrants, students, or individuals with complex health needs.