Betty's Blog

I am a mature retired woman who has worked as officer in charge of a sub post
office and various accounting positions.

I have also worked as a volunteer for the stroke association as my father
suffered a massive stroke when I was a child and I know the devastating impact
it had on his remaining years.

Before retiring I worked as a bank secretary / pa for the NHS. A Job I really
enjoyed, working for and alongside the dedicated professional staff that keep
the NHS going.

I have supported and cared for several family members over the years and I
am currently a full time carer to my husband. Having met so many caring
people in my time working for the NHS and my contact with health and social
care services through my caring role, I feel passionately about health and social
care issues.

Having recently been given a few hours a week respite for my caring role I was
fortunate enough to be accepted as a volunteer to join the Thurrock
Healthwatch team located in the Beehive. I have used the Healthwatch service
myself and have found the staff to be very helpful.

Health and social care services are facing huge challenges in the difficult times
we are living in so my hope is to become an asset to the team as they continue
to develop the role that they will continue to play now and in the future.

I believe that I will also benefit health wise by taking on a new challenge where
I can put my experiences as a carer to good use to help others.