Lorna Plumpton
I am a retired Business Management Professional who likes being proactive for others and I enjoy being of help to others, in particular in being a “voice of and for the patients”. I have always had a great interest in the health and wellbeing of people in my career and I have continued to do so locally since my retirement although more so when I became registered disabled (2016).
I first started as a volunteer in our community in 2008 (when I was working) when I was appointed as Trustee and Chair of Halton Carers Centre, (I stepped down in 2012) and I have also been an active volunteer in the local community for other charity, voluntary and third sector organisations in Halton, which in the past included Halton OPEN, Halton Disability Partnership, and the Halton Health Forum with the NHS Halton and Warrington Clinical Cmmissioning Group.
I am currently Chair of a local Patient Participation Group (PPG) in Halton where we aim to ensure the patient voice will always be heard, fostering improved communication between the practice and its patients. I also Chair the wider Halton PPG plus forum group which encompasses all of our 14 GP surgeries where we aim to share best practice, and help to improve access to health and social care services in Halton for the people in the borough.
My business experience and knowledge has helped to foster improvements in our local health and social care services through the various organisations I have previously volunteered with.
I was approached and invited to join the Healthwatch Halton Advisory Board when I was attending a health meeting locally with a colleague and good friend.
I have found the ethos of Healthwatch Halton, along with its purpose and values, are very similar to my own, that of being of value to the local community, something I truly value being.
I am very proud to be invited to join the Healthwatch Advisory Board.