A Senior Healthcare Assistant who is raising awareness of elder abuse has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.
Debbie Harris works for Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust’s (EPUT) Frailty Service in south east Essex and is a finalist in the Apprentice of the Year category of the national Our Health Hero Awards.
Debbie is completing a Level 3 Healthcare Support Worker apprenticeship and successfully juggles a busy day job with her studies and taking on additional duties to safeguard elderly people in the community.
She works with many elderly people, and because elder abuse is generally under-reported, she decided to raise awareness of the issue and improve reporting processes at EPUT.
She conducted research into how reporting can be improved and recommended service improvements in her local area.
Reporting and prosecution rates for elder abuse are low, particularly compared to cases of child abuse. A survey carried out by charity Hourglass in 2020 found that one in five people surveyed had personal experience of abuse as an older person or knew someone who had been abused.
Debbie’s course tutor Kimberley Allen nominated her for the Our Health Hero Awards after being impressed by her dedication and commitment.
She said: “Debbie has chased opportunities, given up her free time, and endured the stress of completion of all of her coursework, and placements – not to mention still trying to crack her maths award. Debbie will do anything she can to become the best practitioner she can be for her patients, and I find that inspirational. “
Debbie, who is looking to train to be an Assistant Practitioner after completing her apprenticeship, said: “I am really proud to have been nominated for the Apprentice of the Year award, it means a lot to me.
“I am really passionate about my work and the people I work with, which is why I wanted to look into elder abuse and how we can highlight it.
“I am so grateful for all the support I have had from Kimberley, my manager Ashley Edwards and team lead Angela Paradza. They have been so encouraging, in particular Kimberley. She is the reason I worked so hard to get the course completed.”
“Kim is a very inspiring woman who continuously supported me and encourage my development. Because of her and her amazing support, I’m already looking to do the Assistant Practitioner course next year. Every apprenticeship should have a Kimberley Allen. The apprenticeship team are amazing.”
Ashley said: “Debbie is an incredibly hard-working team member. She strives to improve the lives of all patients she meets.
“She has worked very hard in studying and harnessing her skills.
“I am thrilled that Debbie has been recognised for her work as an apprentice and how she inspires others.”
Members of the public can vote for Debbie at Apprentice of the Year | Skills for Health
The Skills for Health Our Health Heroes Awards are sponsored by organisations including NHS England, NHS Employers and NHS Shared Business Services.
The winners will be announced at a special ceremony held in London on 16 April.