64. Dorothy Hall - age discrimination in the NHS

In this powerful episode, Gill Phillips chats with her long-time friend Dorothy Hall, a former social worker and fierce advocate for fairness. They explore the realities of ageism in healthcare.

At 82 and a half, Dorothy brings a wealth of lived experience—as a professional, a family carer, and now as someone navigating the NHS as an older person.

She highlights the stark contrast between systems that dismiss patients based on age and those that embrace co-production and shared decision-making. 

Dorothy shares two shocking yet inspiring stories:

• How she was abruptly denied essential treatment for a genetic condition upon turning 80—without warning, discussion, or a clear clinical rationale
• Her journey to access an innovative light therapy treatment for macular degeneration, which remains largely unknown and unavailable on the NHS despite its life-changing potential

Instead of accepting the system’s failings, Dorothy took matters into her own hands—seeking a second opinion, finding more compassionate healthcare providers, and ultimately reclaiming control over her own care.

Lemon lightbulbs 🍋💡🍋

🍋 Co-production doesn’t stop at 80 - see the person

🍋  Healthcare should be about needs, not numbers – age alone should never determine whether someone gets treatment

🍋 Patients shouldn’t have to be experts in NICE guidelines or fight for info

🍋 Don’t push people into complaints—listen first – most patients don’t want a fight, they just want fair treatment

🍋 The complaints process takes a huge toll on people

🍋 Empathy transforms healthcare

🍋 Joint decision-making rocks!

🍋 Short-term cuts create long-term costs – and unnecessary suffering

🍋 Rigid NHS systems fail real people – bureaucratic barriers, arbitrary cut-offs, and poor communication leave people helpless

🍋  Being  'outside the system' can be a nightmare

🍋 Seek a second opinion

🍋  Vision loss is life-changing - NHS should embrace this proven, non-invasive macular degeneration preventative treatment

🍋  It’s not just about vision - age-related sight loss affects independence, mobility and mental health

🍋 Patient advocacy is powerful – knowing your rights, pushing back, and seeking alternatives can change everything

🍋 Honest communication matters!!!

Links:

Encouraging results from light therapy study for dry age-related macular degeneration - study published by the Macular Society 

#WIGO - When I Get Old campaign - Gill Phillips chats with Angela Catley

✨ A must-listen episode for anyone passionate about health inequalities, patient advocacy, and how we can build a healthcare system that truly listens to people—at every stage of life.  🎧

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