HOSPITAL staff threw a party for two nurses who are set to retire after clocking up 88 years of service to the NHS.
Maureen Jones and Belinda Briand, who job-share the role of sister on Ward 15 at Solihull Hospital which looks after patients having day-case surgery, celebrated with colleagues, where memories and stories of their careers were shared.
Maureen started as a healthcare assistant in Edinburgh 1979, enrolled on nurse training in 1984, and subsequently qualified as nurse in 1986.
She then moved to Solihull and converted to be a registered general nurse in January 2000.
She has worked at Solihull Hospital in various areas over the years, including healthcare of older people, general surgery, outreach, and elective orthopaedics.
Maureen said: “I’ve had a fabulous career in the NHS. I’ve met thousands of patients, relatives and colleagues.
“I feel very proud to have worked with the NHS for a wonderful 46 years.
“Ward 15 at Solihull Hospital, where I finish my nursing journey, has an amazing team, and I wish them all the best for the future.”
Belinda began as a pupil nurse at Solihull Hospital in March 1983 and qualified as an enrolled nurse in April 1985.
She then converted to be a registered general nurse in 1995.
She was instrumental in setting up the much-needed Urology Treatment Centre at the hospital and did this alongside running her ward. She and two other colleagues also won two awards for designing special pyjamas for urology patients.
Belinda said: “All of my career has been spent in Solihull; it is my home from home.
“I feel so proud and humbled to have been part of a wonderful vocational job where patients entrust us at their most vulnerable time.
“I have worked with amazing people and a wonderful team on Ward 15. It’s so hard to leave, but it is my time to go and hand over the reins.”
Fiona Wyton, director of nursing for Solihull Hospital and Community Services said: “Belina and Maureen will be dearly missed from not only their ward, but the whole hospital.
“They are both long-standing colleagues who have made a huge impact to the lives of patients and their teams.
“I am immensely proud of their dedication which has spanned decades.
“Everyone at Solihull Hospital and I wish them a very healthy, fun and happy retirement.”
