Gemma Barber: the lived experience and building support

This episode is part of a Patient Leadership Series, where I highlight the voices of individuals who have lived with hip dysplasia and chosen to turn that experience into action.Today I’m speaking with Gemma Barber from the United Kingdom. Gemma has lived with developmental dysplasia of the hip and has become a powerful advocate within the UK community. Through her advocacy work and her recent Springtime fundraising ball in the Wirral, near Liverpool, supporting hip dysplasia awareness, she has helped build support networks for families navigating diagnosis, treatment, and long-term uncertainty.In this conversation, we talk about what it means to grow up with hip dysplasia, how different healthcare systems shape the patient experience, and why peer support remains essential even in countries with universal healthcare. It is a discussion about resilience, community, and the importance of making sure no family feels alone when they hear the words hip dysplasia.