Lisa tells us what she enjoys about volunteering for Healthwatch Dorset

How long have you been a volunteer with Healthwatch Dorset?

I've been volunteering with Healthwatch Dorset for 10 years, starting in November 2014.

What made you decide to volunteer with Healthwatch Dorset?

I offered to volunteer at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, in their canteens and coffee shops. Unfortunately, one of the managers discriminated against me, which was really upsetting. I came and reported it to Access Dorset who told Healthwatch Dorset about my poor experience. Healthwatch Dorset asked me to come and volunteer with them, so it was the hospital's loss and Healthwatch’s gain, definitely!

What do you enjoy about volunteering with Healthwatch Dorset?

I have enjoyed doing the annual PLACE visits to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Poole Hospital, Dorchester hospital and the Nuffield hospital. I quite enjoyed talking to patients on the wards and at outpatients. We also looked at the communal areas, car parks and corridors, which I find very interesting because there can be alot of obstructions which shouldn't be there. These things can make access difficult, particularly if you're disabled or visually impaired.

Is there anything else you enjoy about volunteering with Healthwatch Dorset?

I have done different projects like the Urgent Care project, which I enjoyed because I like acting and had to pretend that I had broken my leg. We had to go through every procedure from beginning to end, which was helpful. I came up with a lot recommendations on how to improve services, especially for those who, like myself, are visually impaired.

How does volunteering make a difference for your community?

I want to make sure people are aware of Healthwatch Dorset and If there's any feedback they give me, I pass it on to Healthwatch Dorset.

Thank you Lisa, for your years of dedicated volunteering with Healthwatch Dorset.