Celebrating the 2024 Julie Tekin Award Recipients: Keeley Roe and Sarah Fry

Recognising excellence in forensic healthcare

Keeley Roe, nominated by Donna Dabell (SARC Manager), is an exceptional member of the team at Mountain Healthcare, where she serves as the Associate Head of Healthcare for Yorkshire and the Humber, as well as the North East. Keeley’s journey into forensic nursing is unique. From the outset, she knew forensic nursing was her true vocation in life—a rare passion, as most healthcare professionals discover this career later in their journey. Her prior experience in education and as a volunteer for Rape Crisis helped shape her dedication to the survivors of rape and sexual assault.

As Associate Head of Healthcare, Keeley’s influence spans seven Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) across the region. She played a pivotal role in establishing Mountain Healthcare's contract in the North East and continues to make significant contributions to forensic practice through her role as a board member for the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine (FFLM). Her commitment to patient-centred care is at the core of her decision-making and teaching. Keeley’s tireless dedication includes covering rota gaps to ensure patients always have access to the services they need, as well as regularly attending conferences and education events to share her expertise with peers.

Keeley’s efforts to standardise forensic healthcare practices led her to develop the case review process, which has been rolled out nationally across Mountain Healthcare and shared externally through training. She has supported more than 2,500 patients throughout her time in forensic nursing and continues to influence best practices in the field. Keeley completed the FFLM Licentiate in 2019 and has published articles in the FFLM website, including one titled "A Day in the Life of an FNE," to be released in November 2023.

Her contributions to the field were recently recognised by the Queen herself, and we are honoured to celebrate Keeley as the Sexual Offences recipient of the Julie Tekin Award.

Custody Recipient: Sarah Fry

Sarah Fry was nominated by Sandra Horton for her work  transforming the way training and development are delivered at Mitie Care and Custody Ltd, bringing in-house training to the forefront and making significant improvements in both quality and efficiency. Since taking on the role of Training Manager, Sarah has not only improved the number and variety of training courses but has also brought about substantial financial savings.

One of Sarah’s most significant achievements is securing Level 7 Masters accreditation for the Forensic Medicine in Custody Healthcare course at Teesside University, which was previously accredited at Level 4. This 6-day course is a comprehensive program that covers all aspects of the healthcare professional’s role in custody, ensuring that staff are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to excel.

Sarah’s innovative approach to training doesn’t stop at traditional methods. She is actively working towards integrating Virtual Reality (VR) into training, providing immersive experiences that help new staff better understand the role of healthcare professionals in custody settings. With funding secured for VR headsets, Sarah’s vision for modernised training is soon to be realised across all contracts.

Her work extends beyond healthcare professionals to the training and development of Custody Detention Officers (CDOs), where she has worked closely with Custody Detention Service managers to develop tailored competencies that ensure CDOs are better prepared and knowledgeable early in their careers.

Sarah’s commitment to excellence is reflected in the company’s ILS (Immediate Life Support) training compliance, which reached an impressive 98% in December 2023—an unprecedented achievement for the organisation. By bringing ILS training in-house, Sarah has overseen the development of 3 Course Directors and 11 new ILS instructors, while using the cost savings to invest in state-of-the-art ILS manikins for enhanced training.

The Forensic Medicine in Custody Healthcare course at Level 7 allows staff to gain 30 credits towards a Forensic Healthcare qualification, further advancing their careers. Sarah’s drive to improve standards has not only enhanced training but also contributed to the personal and professional growth of staff across the organisation.

In recognition of her transformative work and dedication to improving forensic healthcare training, Sarah Fry is a deserving recipient of the Julie Tekin Award.

Congratulations to Our Winners

We are incredibly proud of Keeley Roe and Sarah Fry, whose contributions to forensic healthcare are making a real difference in the lives of both patients and healthcare professionals. Their passion, innovation, and leadership exemplify the very best of our community, and we are honoured to celebrate their achievements with the Julie Tekin Award.



About the Julie Tekin Award

The Julie Tekin Award was created in memory of Julie Tekin, a passionate advocate for forensic healthcare who dedicated her life to improving services for vulnerable individuals in police custody and sexual assault settings. The award recognises healthcare professionals who reflect Julie’s commitment to excellence and who make a profound impact on the lives of those they serve. Nominations for this prestigious award are open year-round, and colleagues are encouraged to nominate individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication and innovation. For more details or to submit a nomination, please visit the Julie Tekin Award page.

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