A caring operational trainer who has shown outstanding dedication to staff training at care homes in Flintshire has scooped a silver award in the care industry Oscars.

Pamela Reid, who works for Barchester Healthcare won the award in the Commitment to Training and Workforce Development category of the prestigious Wales Care Awards. She dedicated her success to her “hero” grandfather upon whom she doted.

The awards, which recognise outstanding work in the care sector, are organised annually by Care Forum Wales, that celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. This year also marked the 15th anniversary of the Wales Care Awards.

“I was absolutely delighted to be shortlisted,” said Pamela, who attended the glittering ceremony, which was sponsored by Onyx Healthcare, at Cardiff’s City Hall, along with manager Charlotte Aspinall, who nominated her.

“I really was 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, the Rhiwlas and Bod Hyfryd care homes in Flint and the Bradshow car home in Rhyl. She provides comprehensive training that enables staff to carry out their roles effectively and has revamped the company’s training.

Before embarking on 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 for the award, which was sponsored by Cardiff and Vale College, 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 was up there rooting for me.”

Mario Kreft, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, said: “There are only winners here tonight so it is only fitting that the finalists have receive a gold, silver or bronze Wales Care Award.

“I trust that they will continue to inspire those around them as role models and encourage others to aspire to even greater heights in the months and years to come.

“This awards ceremony is our opportunity to pay tribute and to celebrate the talent and commitment that is improving the quality of life for thousands and thousands of people throughout Wales.

“We take our hats off to them.”