Interview with our new Board Member, Gary

Please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your background and work experience?

"My name is Gary Alessio, and I have nearly 40 years of experience in healthcare, both in the NHS and the voluntary sector.  I have a particular interest in service improvement and in making sure staff and service users (including potential service users) are involved in co-producing service developments and improvement.  I believe strongly in partnership working to encourage the sharing of learning and to join services up in a coherent way."

What aspects of your professional life did you enjoy the most?

"I like to find opportunity in health policy changes.  A good way to deal with these changes, and I have been through many, is to take some control of them and to make them work for you.  I've worked locally, regionally and nationally and in most aspects of potentially joined-up healthcare."

What made you want to join the Healthwatch Dorset Board?

"Having retired from full-time work in 2024, I joined Healthwatch Dorset because I wanted to continue using the experience I accumulated in my working life.  It has enabled me to get involved in a lot of engagement work - getting the views and experiences of 'real people' to inform decision making, which is something I've always enjoyed and not necessarily had enough time for."

What experience, skills and perspectives can you bring to Healthwatch Dorset? 

"In terms of the Local Board, I feel my contribution, based on my experience and interest, can be to help us through uncertain times, following the announcement of the abolition of Healthwatch.  There is always opportunity in change."