John Webster lives in Mudford Sock. He is Professor Emeritus and former Head of the Veterinary School at Bristol University. Other professional roles have included Presidency of the Nutrition Society and panellist for European Food Safety Authority. At Bristol his team developed protocols for assessing quality of life in animals that are in use throughout the world. Following a period in YDH in 2002 he suggested a similar approach to assessing human patient experience in hospital. This was well received and he has continued to work with YDH to develop this practice. John Webster can be contacted via john.webster@bristol.ac.uk