Natalie will help NHS celebrate 75-year anniversary

As Research and Evidence Manager at Healthwatch Cornwall, Natalie was nominated for her work on the recently published ‘Hear Our Voice’ report on local dementia and memory loss services and support. 

Involving a survey, three Memory Cafe focus groups and 15 in-depth interviews with carers, the research included 40 recommendations that are now an integral part of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Dementia Improvement Programme led by Dr Allison Hibbert.

“We need to do more in our county to support people to live well with dementia, as too many people – and those who care for them - are left to cope alone,” said Natalie. “Hearing people’s experiences was a real privilege and I’m so grateful to the carers, Memory Cafe board members and Dr Hibbert for their collaboration.

“Living with dementia is something most of us are likely to experience in one form or other and that’s why it’s so important to make our local dementia pathway as effective and supportive as possible.

“Working on this research was a labour of love but Healthwatch Cornwall is committed to ensuring this report is making a difference. Listening, learning and feeding back to improve local services is what our staff and volunteers do.”

Healthwatch Cornwall is a not-for-profit, independent community interest company that acts as an impartial health and social care watchdog.

“I’m delighted that Natalie has been invited to the NHS birthday celebration in Westminster Abbey – an honour she more than deserves,” said Nick Bailey, CEO of Healthwatch Cornwall.

“Hear Our Voice has been very well received and its recommendations are already having an impact.”