I spent 13 years at the BBC as a producer, including five years as Senior Content Producer for the BBC Health website.
During that time, I developed a strong interest in communicating complex health information in ways that were accessible, engaging and sensitive to the needs of different audiences. I worked across a range of topics including organ donation, sexual health, domestic violence and children’s health and wellbeing.
My interest in patient advocacy became more personal when my father was diagnosed with AML. Experiencing first-hand how overwhelming and complex the healthcare system can feel for patients and families gave me a strong desire to help people access clear information, support and guidance at difficult times.
Since then, through experiences with other family members and friends who have become ill, I’ve become increasingly interested in the role patient empowerment can play in shaping a person’s experience of illness — and in the profound difference that good information and support can make in helping people feel informed, confident and better able to navigate their care.
At MDS UK, I work across the charity’s digital content and website development, helping to shape content, structure and user experience to better support patients, families and healthcare professionals.
If you would like to get in touch, you can contact Kate at kvahl@mdspatientsupport.org.uk
