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.
Volunteer with us
There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in our work:
- Make a difference in your local community by giving people the opportunity to speak up about their health and social care.
- Visit health and care services to see them in action and make recommendations to improve the quality of care.
- Make new friends as you become part of the Healthwatch Dorset team.
- Boost your CV as you develop new skills and confidence in the workplace.
- Use your skills to contribute to the success of Healthwatch across Dorset.
Get in touch
If you are interested and would like to find out more, get in touch with our Volunteer Officer:
lindsey.fish@healthwatchdorset.co.uk
0300 111 0102.
Find out more about our volunteering opportunities