Local volunteer Bob urges others to join him to help shape local health and care services
Former ambulanceman Bob is a volunteer with us, the county’s independent health and care champion Healthwatch Somerset and he’s encouraging others to join him in his role.
80-year-old Bob, from Shepton Mallet, said: “By talking and listening to people who have been ill – you get fantastic knowledge and feedback on health services, which we will all have to use at some stage in our lives.
“Patients are the experts, each and every one of them has a story to share – whether that’s good or bad. Volunteering at Healthwatch Somerset allows me to get that feedback from these people and then take it to the decision-making bodies, who have the power to make changes where necessary.
“I would encourage others to volunteer and help make a real difference.”
Widower Bob has had plenty of first-hand experience with local health and care, having worked as an ambulanceman for over 30 years in the county and looking after his wife Shirley as her main carer before she passed away in 2010.
His 51-year-old daughter Michelle is also in long term care, after suffering a stroke several years ago.
Bob said: “Before Shirley became ill with an autoimmune disease, we were both very active in our retired years and enjoyed going on holidays around the UK. When she lost her mobility we initially tried to keep up these trips but soon found it too difficult.
“We then spent an increasing amount of time at home or in and out of local hospitals. Our experience with these health and care services wasn’t always good. Then when my daughter suffered a massive stroke at the age of 48, I have had to deal with issues over the type of care she receives.”
In his role as our volunteer, Bob visits local groups to speak to patients and listen to their stories. This is then fed back to our staff team who look for common themes in the county. Popular issues are then raised with the organisations which buy, plan and deliver health and care services in Somerset.
Emma Cooper from Healthwatch Somerset said: “Volunteers like Bob are at the heart of everything we do, from talking to people about their experiences of local health and care services, to sitting on the local steering group.
“Whatever your background, we are keen to hear from you if you think you could fill one of these roles. People can make a real difference to their local communities.”
Volunteering roles with us include visiting health and care venues to speak to patients, staff and families about their experiences and acting as an ambassador at local events and meetings.
All of our volunteers go through a full training and personal development programme. They are given a comprehensive volunteer handbook and welcome pack, as well as having access to an online volunteer portal with up to date policies and procedures. Out of pocket expenses are also reimbursed.
