A self-confessed “adrenaline junkie” says she will be nervous when the spotlight is turned on her.
Patricia Brown has no fear when it comes to adventurous challenges but is apprehensive about attending an event in Cardiff’s City Hall on October 21.
She has been shortlisted for one of this year’s Wales Care Awards which are organized by Care Forum Wales to recognize outstanding work in the care sector.
Patricia, who lives in Merthyr Tydfil, has been shortlisted in the category for commitment to training and workforce development, which is sponsored by her employers, Hallmark Care Homes.
The host for the evening will once again be the popular tenor and radio presented Wynne Evans, well-known as Gio Compario in the Go Compare TV adverts, and the evening, which is sponsored by Ontex UK, will be streamed live on the night.
Patricia, who is known to colleagues as “Tricia”, has worked in the care sector for over 12 years and for the past two years has been Hallmark’s regional learning and development coach, responsible for overseeing training in six homes across South Wales.
She was nominated for the award by the trainee general manager Gavyn Bolton, who, as one of her students, has benefitted from her experience and skill.
“As I have progressed I have found that nothing is too much trouble for her and she is always ready to help and make time,” he said.
Gavyn is who was based at the Regency Home in Ely, where he says that Patricia has made a huge difference, delivering all aspects of training including manual handling, first-aid, preparing care plans, supervision and dementia care.
“I have witnessed newer members of the teams who have struggled initially progress and grow in confidence under her exceptional tutorage and her excellent delivery of training, whether it be classroom-based or one-to-one” said Gavyn.
Like all sectors of the care industry the Hallmark homes faced huge challenges during the Covid pandemic but Patricia provided invaluable support to the staff, often rolling up her sleeves to help out.
“She is a huge asset to Hallmark,” Gavyn added.
Patricia, 37, who has several relatives who have worked in the health sector, said she derived great satisfaction from focusing training and seeing the development of staff.
Away from work, she leads a very active life and loves exciting challenges.
“I am an adrenaline junkie and have done skydiving and ziplining. I love things like that,” she said.
She has also returned to horse riding after having taken a break from it for some time.
Mario Kreft MBE, Chair of Care Forum Wales, said the aim of the Wales Care Awards was to recognise the unstinting and remarkable dedication of unsung heroes and heroines across Wales.
He said: “The social care sector is full of wonderful people because it’s not just a job, it’s a vocation – these are people who go the extra mile for others.
“During the Covid crisis, this fantastic workforce rose magnificently to the challenge, putting their own lives on the line to do everything they possibly could to safeguard the people for whom they provide care.
“Unfortunately, it has taken a global pandemic for many other people to realise how important and how significant our social care workforce is.
“Their incredible contribution was summed up best in the powerful and emotive words of the song, Heroes of our Heart, written by the acclaimed poet Mererid Hopwood and sung by Sir Bryn Terfel, which was set to the famous tune of Men of Harlech. The message that the diolch should last forever is one that we should never forget.
“If you don’t recognise the people who do the caring you will never provide the standards people need and never recognise the value of people who need care in society.
“All the nominees deserve to be lauded and applauded and it’s a real pleasure to honour the contribution of all the finalists.
“I congratulate all the individuals who have shown outstanding dedication and professionalism. Every one of them should be proud of their achievement.
“They are Wales’s finest.”
