Deborah Walters

Deborah Walters is a fictional character on Shortland Street who first appeared in 1992. Portrayed by Lisa Chappell.
Deborah first appeared in Episode 0005 as a patient who is HIV+. Deborah is being cared for by nurse Jaki Manu, but Jaki is unaware of her HIV status, and accidentally pricks herself with Deborah's used needle, possibly infecting herself. Jaki's HIV scare was one of Shortland Street's first major storylines and an important one for the show.
In Episode 0006 Deborah is again being cared for by Jaki and is asked inappropriate questions by the nurse about how she contracted HIV. Deborah gets upset and accuses Jaki of thinking she got it from drugs, or a one night stand. Jaki is sent away by nurse Carrie Burton for being so rude.
Deborah later gets an apology from Jaki, and explains to her the real story of how she contracted HIV. Deborah was in a long term relationship with a man before taking a 6 month break from the relationship. They briefly got back together before the man told her he had HIV, then left never to be seen again. Deborah tells Jaki about the discrimination she’s received since her HIV diagnosis, saying “Once you’re HIV positive, you’re on your own”.
[TBC]