#ThisIsMe - Deborah Quinton
“If you have a disability don’t give up, keep trying to achieve your ambitions.”
Words by Deborah Quinton
My name is Deborah Quinton. I am a volunteer in North Mid’s cardiology department, where I call patients to remind them of their appointments. I have been volunteering at North Mid since October 2020 and volunteered all the way through the pandemic.
Last year, I was shortlisted for the NHS Parliamentary Awards for volunteer of the year. Sadly, I didn’t win, but I’m proud and grateful for the recognition. In line with the Awards, I, together with several of my North Mid colleagues, was invited for an afternoon tea at the House of Commons which was a great day – and I enjoyed every minute of it. The NHS Parliamentary Awards recognises the outstanding contribution of NHS Staff, volunteers and other heath and care sectors.
I studied at the College of North East London, where I studied typing and word processing. I am very proud to have received certificates for passing my exams. Then, I went on a Youth Training Scheme. I attended several placements at Haringey Council doing different types of office work.
I was born with a disability called Spina Bifida. I use a powered wheelchair to get around, which can be a challenge as not everywhere I want to go is accessible. 
I really enjoy volunteering you get to meet lots of different people and it keeps your mind active. My typical day as a volunteer can vary on how many phone calls I have to make. Sometimes I have lots of calls to make, other days it can be quieter,
My lessons about my journey would be if you have a disability don’t give up, keep trying to achieve your ambitions.
We thank Deborah for taking part in our #ThisIsMe blog series which focuses on the incredible diversity of our workforce across North Mid, beyond the usual protected characteristics of age, disability, ethnicity, religious beliefs, gender, sex and sexual orientation.
Please help us encourage fellow Trust colleagues to do the same by sharing this post.
Feel free to share any feedback or comments. If you wish to share your own story or think you know colleague who might want to share their thoughts, ideas and experiences about diversity, please contact our communications team at northmid.comms@nhs.net