17. Rachel @Rocking2Stomas Wild Card - Whose Shoes?

Today's guest, Rachel Jury, is winner of the National Diversity Award 2018 for positive role model for disability.

She tweets as @Rocking2Stomas, and refers to herself as one of the community of ‘Double Baggers’. 

I’m looking forward to helping break a few more taboos by hearing Rachel's story today. 

Lemon lightbulbs  🍋💡🍋s
We all need purpose – it is not about ‘catastrophising’, it is about compassion and being supported to move on with our livesDon’t assume that because you have said the words, the other person has understood, processed the news, consentedIf people get given life-changing news, they deserve a follow up. How are they coping? Do they need any support?Some subjects are taboo and need to come out of the closet.Don’t just concentrate on the medical, the physical. Ask real questions like “how is your sex life?”Healthcare professionals are afraid of getting out of their depth if people ask ‘real’ questions and they don’t know how to answer / explore honestly. They need training to be able to support people properly.Healthcare professionals can assume they understand – but having lived experience brings a whole new perspective. You really can’t! Just listen!You need to meet people where they are. People will have a very different capacity for taking in  detail and engaging with it – different individuals, but also the same individual at different points in their life.Being bold makes an impact – people remember. Changing a stoma bag on stage!The importance of connecting with others and finding your tribe.Helping people walk in your shoes. They will remember the experience!Trust people. It is so humiliating when they do not believe what you are saying. Don’t have assumptions and expect people to fit into your boxes.Unsung heroes. Remember the people in the NHS who are not doctors or nurses but make a huge difference to patient experience – the cleaners, the porters … anyone with compassion!Little things matter. Little acts of kindness. A bit of banter. Humanity.Talk to me! I can tell you how to improve. You don’t need a formal system, just come and chat to me. Listen.Coproduction - it matters. I can help you!Language and terminology. If you get it wrong, it is at best confusing, at worst dangerous!Good practice is catching. Let’s be generous in spreading the word about what works and what matters.A Wild Card party.  … Ooh, I like the sound of that! We LOVE it when you leave a review!
If you enjoy my podcast and find these conversations useful
please share your thoughts by leaving a review (Apple is easiest to leave a review) and comment on your favourite episodes.

I tweet as @WhoseShoes and @WildCardWS and am on Instagram as @WildCardWS.

Please recommend 'Wild Card - Whose Shoes' to others who enjoy hearing passionate people talk about their experiences of improving health care.