A dedicated operational trainer for a healthcare company with two care homes in Flintshire is in the running for a top award and has dedicated her success to her “hero” grandfather.
Pamela Reid, who works for Barchester Healthcare, is shortlisted in the Commitment to Training and Workforce Development category, sponsored by Cardiff and Vale College, at the Wales Care Awards.
The awards, which recognise outstanding work in the care sector, are organised by Care Forum Wales, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. This year is also the 15th anniversary of the Wales Care Awards.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be shortlisted,” said Pamela, who will attend the glittering ceremony at Cardiff’s City Hall on October 19, along with manager Charlotte Aspinall, who nominated her.
“I really am over the moon, but it’s bitter sweet for me, because I lost my hero, my grandad, just before I found out I’d been shortlisted.
“My grandad was the love of my life.
“He was 93, and I cared for him at home for the last six days of his life.
“He was and has always been my hero, so to have gone through that personally then to receive the news that I made the final, was unbelievable.
“I know he would have been so proud of me, but at least he knew I’d been nominated and I’m grateful for that,” she added.
Pamela fully immerses herself into her role, which involves travelling to Barchester’s three care homes in North Wales, including the Bod Hyfryd and Rhiwlas care homes in Flint. She provides comprehensive training that enables staff to carry out their roles effectively and has revamped the company’s training.
Before embarking of the training aspect of her role, 39- year-old Pamela worked as a healthcare assistant, a role she began aged just 16.
“I love looking after my family, and other people’s family. It’s such a privilege,” said Pamela.
“And having worked as a carer it gives me a great understanding of the challenges those working in the care environment face.”
Charotte Aspinall, General Manager of Rhiwlas Care Home in Flint, who nominated Pamela, said: “Pam used to be a health care assistant but always loved training, it’s her passion.
“She tailors her training and understands challenges care workers face after being a carer herself.
“She does not have a “one size fits all” approach to learning and development. She is able to acknowledge the daily struggles that staff may encounter and offer assistance to bridge the theory practice gap.”
Pamela added: “I love spending time with my friends and family, they’re very important to me.
“I spent a lot of time with my grandad. I’m a big Liverpool fan, we used to watch the match together.
“I know he’ll be up there rooting for me to win.”
Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, said the Wales Care Awards had gone from strength to strength.
He said: “This year’s ceremony is an even more special occasion because it marks the 15th anniversary of the Wales Care Awards and the 25th anniversary of Care Forum Wales and the event is now firmly established as one of the highlights in the Welsh social care calendar.
“The aim is to recognise the unstinting and often remarkable dedication of our unsung heroes and heroines across Wales.
“The care sector is full of wonderful people because it’s not just a job it’s a vocation – these are the people who really do have the X Factor.
“If you don’t recognise the people who do the caring you will never provide the standards that people need and never recognise the value of the people who need the care in society.
“We need to do all we can to raise the profile of the care sector workforce – they deserve to be lauded and applauded.”
