I came to Bradford in 1991, moving slowly northwards after emigrating from Connecticut to London. Learning about the NHS was part of settling into a new country – eventually I renounced US citizenship Emergency surgery for Crohn’s disease made me intensely grateful for my NHS number.
Stepping away from employment as a United Reformed Church minister in 1991, I worked for a women’s
refuge, then an interfaith project. Bradford’s diverse communities gave me new insights and close
friendships. Chairing my local Patient Participation Group opened my eyes to the challenges of bringing patient experience into NHS structures.
Palliative and end of life care has been a longstanding interest, following several bereavements. In 2020 I studied soul midwifery and met a splendid variety of people taking up that role. While not wanting a new career myself, I’m part of a Northern Soul Midwives information network.
Joining the NHS Peer Leadership Development Programme led to membership of West Yorkshire ICB’s steering group for palliative and EoL care. My main concern is to raise public awareness about end of life planning and improve access to good quality care. Doing the foundation course for EoL doulas developed my knowledge of services available.
In 2024 I joined 30 other peer leaders in a national Strategic Co-production Group which responds to requests for patient input to a wide range of NHS projects. This fits alongside volunteering with the Experts by Experience team in the University of Bradford’s Faculty of Health Studies.
I’m grateful to be learning so much day by day.