'I’ve loved every minute': Castleford nurse retires after 51 years in the NHS

Starting her journey age just 16, Carol began as a pre-nursing student at Castleford College in 1974.

From there, she went on to complete her enrolled nurse training at the School of Nursing at Pontefract General Infirmary, all funded by the NHS.

Throughout her career, she’s taken on a variety of roles in medicine, always driven by her love for caring for others.

In 1999, she attended the University of Huddersfield and completed the conversion course to become a registered nurse.

Soon after, she secured a band 6 post in cardiology at Pontefract Hospital, working in elderly care.

She later moved into a band 7 role at the old Pinderfields Hospital, working on ward 6, which specialised in stroke and neurology.

“I was really sad to leave Pontefract,” she said.

"But I loved the work at Pinderfields. Before the new hospital was built, we were based in the pre-fab huts.”

When the time came to move from the old Pinderfields site to the new hospital, Carol was asked to help manage the transition.

“We were the first team to work in the new building. It was so much bigger, and there were plenty of teething problems at first, but it was an exciting change.”

Carol then moved to Dewsbury Hospital to work on ward 8 (respiratory) – a time she remembers as one of the happiest of her career.

“I absolutely loved it there. The team were incredible – I still miss them now. I remember being greeted on my first day by Jo, one of the nurses, and she just made me feel like I belonged.

"Dewsbury reminded me of Pontefract; everyone said hello. It’s true what they say – when someone greets you with a smile, it can really make your day.”

Moving to Gate 20, Carol worked her way up to Matron, before moving on to manage patient flow across the Trust.

In 2015, life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

After a year of treatment, including chemotherapy and surgery, all at Pinderfields, she returned to work in time for Christmas 2016.

Just months later, a bad fall led to a broken leg and surgery involving 11 screws and a plate.

“Other than that, I’ve hardly had a day off in my whole career,” she said proudly.

Now, at 67, Carol says the time feels right to step back.

“The NHS has been my whole life. I’ve seen a lot, been through a lot, and shared so much with so many wonderful people. I always say, if you cut me in half, it would say NHS right through the middle.”

As she looks ahead to retirement, she’ll miss her team most of all.

“We’ve got a brilliant team in the Integrated Transfer of Care Hub. We really look out for each other. I just hope they don’t delete me from the WhatsApp group!”

Lyndsey Scaife, Head of Integrated Discharge at the Trust said “After 50 years of remarkable service, it is both an honour and a bittersweet moment to celebrate Carol’s

retirement.

"We are privileged that she chose to spend the final years of her career working within the Integrated Transfer of Care Hub.

"She has been a dedicated, compassionate, and loyal member of our team. Carol will be greatly missed by her colleagues, patients, and their families.

"We send her our warmest wishes for a retirement that is as rewarding and fulfilling as the remarkable career she devoted to the NHS.”

Carol also offered advice to new nurses.

“Ask questions, read, and if you don’t understand something, research it. Find your own path. Mentors will guide you, but your career is yours to shape.”

As for what’s next, Carol has plenty planned – from spending time with her family and five grandchildren to exploring new places in her caravan. But first, she’s off on a cruise

around Asia.

“I’ve loved every minute. The NHS has been my second home – and I’ll always be proud to have been part of it.”