Getting to know you

This month we spoke to Terence Harris, Head of Health, Safety and Fire, who explained how a fall into a cage changed his career path and his guilty pleasure is watching Housewives of Beverly Hills!

How long have you worked in our hospitals?

I’ve worked for the NHS for 21 years, starting as a phlebotomist before landing a full time job as a Health Care Assistant on Ward 25, Rheumatology. I was there for three years, before joining the Emergency Department as a Clinical Support Worker at Aintree working for Angie Slade and Nicki Green, working twilight shifts in Minor Injuries. All while studying for a degree at Liverpool John Moores in the day. My big break came when I was offered a position as health and safety manager at another Trust, and after further study, this led me to my current role at LUHFT coving all sites.

Did you always want to work in healthcare?

I studied marketing at college but quickly fell out of love with it. My mum, who is a Staff Nurse at LUHFT, told me about a vacancy as a phlebotomist. I got the job and fell in love with the hospital. My career in health and safety started when I fell into a cage walking along the corridor!

What does your role involve?

I lead a team of fire safety, health and safety and manual handling specialists. I am the organisational lead for health and safety and fire and I am responsible for ensuring the Trust continues to meet and comply with UK Legal requirements.

What’s your favourite thing about your job?

The variety, I can honestly say that no two days are ever the same. My team and I, like most departments, have been incredibly challenged over the past 18 months with the pandemic, learning new skills and resurrecting old ones from my days working in public health. I take great pride knowing the work I do actually makes a real difference to the safety and welfare of patients and colleagues.

What are the standout highlights or experiences?

Due to the procedures and processes I’ve developed and implemented as part of the COVID-19 response, I was asked to present at a Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) webinar and have been published in professional magazines. I’m currently preparing a speech for an upcoming conference as one of six most influential safety professionals being interviewed in the UK.

What are your hobbies outside of work?

Since lockdown, I’ve found myself baking a lot, I find it very relaxing.

What’s your favourite thing about Liverpool / Merseyside?

I have to say the people are very friendly, nothing is too much trouble. But also the dock front where I’ve lived for six years, I often take a walk along the docks in the evening.

What’s your favourite restaurant or café?

If I had to choose one, it would be Mowgli on Bold Street.

What’s your favourite film or song?

I’m a massive Marvel fan!

You win the lottery, what’s your dream holiday?

This one’s a bit cliché but I’d love to go on safari in Africa.

You’re stranded on an island, what three items would you want with you?

Coffee, Swiss Army Knife, iPad to catch up on Housewives of Beverly Hills! (My guilty pleasure!)