Experienced both sides

Tracy Sheffield has experienced both sides of the health sector as a carer and as a patient.

Her extensive experience included many years delivering one to one home caring and with a private ambulance service.

Then two years ago a bout of pneumonia escalated rapidly to heart and kidney failure. She was put into a coma for emergency hospital treatment in an intensive care unit.

Tracy, 53, recovered and rather than think of retirement, she was determined to get back to work.

“I think it was the way I was brought up, I was always told we had to do our bit,” said Tracy. “I was on a YTS at 16 and have worked ever since, so when the GP said I was ok to return to work I did.”

 After leaving school Tracy had been working on a factory floor before helping to look after a friend of the family led to her considering caring as a profession.

“The lady had suffered a fall and had mobility issues so I used to look after her whilst her son was at work,” said Tracey. “Then as her condition worsened she needed personal care. I looked after her for ten years and it gave me an insight into the role and also confidence that I could do it.”

Tracy joined Caremark Mansfield and Ashfield’s home care support team last year and believes offering companionship and a friendly face, especially to those who have no family to help them, is central to the job.

“You have to want to make people feel safe, comfortable and happy,” said Tracy. “This is not like other jobs, your heart has to be in it.”

Outside of work Tracy helps care for her mum Cath and has four grown up children and six grandchildren who keep her busy.

She’s not one for foreign holidays, preferring the east coast and is looking forward to a break in Skegness with husband Darren this Summer.