Celebrating Older Workers Week with Debra: Sewing Care into Every Stitch
At 63, Debra Brennan brings passion, experience, and dedication to her role as a healthcare assistant in an age-friendly, inclusive workplace at Practice Plus Group.
In celebration of Older Workers Week, we’re shining a spotlight on Debra Brennan, one of our dedicated healthcare assistants (HCAs) at Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, Gillingham.
At 63, Debra brings energy, experience, and passion to our team every day. Her dedication goes beyond her day-to-day patient care duties. Her story is one of resilience and commitment, making her an invaluable part of our team.
An eclectic professional journey
Debra’s career began far from healthcare; she was a singer and stage performer! When she started a family, the showbiz hours were hard to juggle. She went on to try various careers over the years. From teaching music to working in a surgical appliances department, Debra juggled multiple roles but realised what she really loved was caring for others. “I really enjoyed looking after people,” she reflects.
After working as a blood donor carer for four years, she joined Practice Plus Group in 2022, where her love for patient care has found a perfect fit.
“When I saw the ad for Practice Plus Group, I felt excited by the chance to be part of something bigger,” Debra recalls. “I wanted to work on the wards, interact with patients, and assist consultants. I love the variety of my work here and learning from different consultants. It lets me help people while continuously learning. I think I’ve found the right job now.”
Making a difference with a needle and a thread
Beyond patient care, Debra has become a quiet hero within the team. Noticing that some of the scrubs were showing signs of wear, she saw an opportunity to help. Instead of burdening the hospital with repair costs, she offered to take them home and mend them herself. “I suggested they give me time off in lieu of the hours I spent sewing,” she says.
Soon, neatly mended scrubs filled the shelves. It was a small but meaningful contribution that boosted team morale. “One of my favourite things is seeing those neatly mended scrubs stacked on the shelves, all looking tidy and smart. I get a kick out of seeing everything neat and tidy. It’s great when everyone looks nice and organised,” she says.
An inclusive workplace for all ages
“I feel safe and supported by my team every day,” she says. Whether working in wards or outpatients, Debra is always ready to take on new challenges. From assisting in eye procedures to handling blood samples, she finds joy in the variety her role offers.
“If you enjoy variety and want to learn, you’ll love it here. It’s a great feeling to work somewhere that values ideas and truly supports its team members. Here, you can speak up, contribute, and know your voice matters,” Debra says.
As Practice Plus Group celebrates Older Workers Week, Debra’s story shines as a testament to our commitment to inclusivity and the belief that everyone — at every age — brings value to the team.
We’re proud to be an ‘age-friendly’ employer with almost 30% of our workforce being over 50 years old. We’ve also signed the Age-friendly Employer Pledge, committing to enhance recruitment, retention, & development for workers aged 50+. Unlock your best work life!