“Our patients have really made the job special for me – I know I’ll miss them.”
Sue Pardoe has said goodbye to her role as Continence/Urology Clinical Sister with Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust after 37 years of NHS service.
She started her career at the Sister Dora School of Nursing when she was just 18 and went to work at Goscote Hospital where she cared for patients undergoing rehabilitation. She moved to the Manor Hospital around 1992 where she focused on elderly care before going to work out in the community – which is where she has enjoyed working the most.
“I was among the first group of Staff Nurses to join Walsall Healthcare’s Community Nurses’ Team,” said the mother-of-two.
“That was special for all of us involved and I have loved working in the community in particular. Going into people’s homes and supporting them is a privilege and I think patients often open up more when they’re in their own homes and you can get a clearer picture of what’s going on.”
Sue, who lives in Great Barr, joined the Continence Service around 2009/10 and has found the role really rewarding.
“It’s one of those subjects that people can find extremely difficult to talk about it and I understand that. But when you’re able to help someone who may have been struggling in silence for years there’s nothing like it. It can be life-changing for them and our patients have made the job special for me – I know I’ll miss them.
“I’ll also miss my colleagues. We have some really special Nurses in the team and they have helped make my working life over the years. We have supported each other and shared our expertise and that’s benefitted our patients.”
Sue, 55, plans to spend her retirement focusing on her health and wellbeing and pursuing her hobby of ancestry, as well as making more time for National Trust history. And she may even make a return in future, possibly in a volunteering role.
“It will be an adjustment after spending so long working so volunteering is something I might consider,” she said.
Sue’s colleagues gave her a lovely send off and had the following to say about her.
Clare Guest, West Locality Lead, said: “Her experience and knowledge as a community nurse is extensive and she will be sorely missed. Sue has a lovely caring manner with the patients and her colleagues and always thought of others. We wish her well in her well-earned retirement to have some time to invest in herself.’
Jo Nicholls, Continence/Urology Nurse, said: “I have known Sue for many years, not only is she a valued colleague, but she is also a good friend. Sue has a wealth of experience in bladder and bowel care and always strives to do the best for her patients.”
And Michele Windsor, Continence Nurse Specialist, added: “I have worked with Sue for many years and over that time have seen how her vast knowledge of continence, her dedication to her role and her friendly and generous nature has impacted on both the patients and staff she comes into contact with.”