Rachel joined the Patients Association as Chief Executive in 2017 and has led dynamic changes in the charity, resulting in a more engaged membership and an increase in profile for the Patients Association and its goal of embedding patient partnership in the design and delivery of health and care services.

Described by The Times as, “the UK’s foremost patient campaigner”, Rachel is a passionate advocate for patient-centred care. In 2023 she was invited by the English Patient Safety Commissioner to join her advisory group and be a member of the Martha’s Rule working group. She sits on the NHS Assembly and is also a member of the National Data Advisory Group, and Personalised Care Institute Steering Group, , among other memberships.

Rachel’s focus is on empowering patients through the provision of information that enables them to be active partners in their care. The purpose of the Patients Association is to ensure that everybody can access and benefit from the health and care they need to live well, by ensuring that services are designed and delivered through equal partnership with patients.