Volunteer story: Rae McDonald

We spoke to Rae McDonald, who volunteers for our Enter & View programme.

How did you become a volunteer?
I first heard of Healthwatch in a Mulberry Centre newsletter. Enter & View visits sounded an interesting project so I arranged an interview. I felt I had the right experience, having worked in Community Partnerships for GlaxoSmithKline, and in my personal life having been prime carer to both my parents. I felt that with some training I would be able to undertake these visits.

What are Enter & View visits like?
I’ve visited three residential care homes and one hospital ward - talking to the residents or patients, staff and visitors - to find out how they work and how well cared for residents are. Although the organisations vary, they all have the same responsibility to patients. After our visit, each Enter & View member writes up their findings and these are incorporated into the final report.

What would you say to other people who are interested in volunteering?
If you like talking to people and care about the wellbeing of care home residents or hospital patients, then you’ll find working as part of the team very rewarding. Our feedback and reports are valued and treated with respect which makes me feel I am part of a very worthwhile organisation.

Interested in volunteering? Visit this page, or call 020 8099 533