A “hero” healthcare pioneer who set up a service to treat women with cancer has retired after more than two decades at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust.

Carol Smith, 66, Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in the Gynaecology Outpatients Department (GOPD) at Walsall Manor Hospital, is hanging up her uniform after 22 years at the Trust.

A late starter to Nursing, she found her niche after years working in the civil service then taking time off to bring up her two sons on her own after the early death of her husband Nigel.

Once she qualified at the age of 44, there was only place she wanted to work – GOPD at Walsall Manor.

After 10 years as a Staff Nurse in Gynae, Carol became Clinical Nurse Specialist for the service in 2012 and set up the GOPD, managing up to 12 Nurses in the specialty.

“They were two very different roles but in both the patients were always at the forefront of my mind,” said Carol.

“The team I managed was a fantastic bunch of women – and still are – and were great to manage.

“Colleagues have become friends and being part of this team is the biggest thing I’m going to miss.”

She took a step back from managing the team when she reduced her hours three years ago but continued as a CNS.

Carol added: “I’m retiring now because I reached pensionable age in July and it feels right. I also want to allow younger colleagues the chance to do what I did.

“But it’s a bitter-sweet moment for me because I love my patients and love my team. People do leave a mark on your life and make lasting memories.

“It’s a fantastic specialty and over the last 12 years I’ve met a lot of women with gynae cancer and I feel I’ve helped a lot of patients.

“I’ve always loved working in Walsall and quite often would bump into my patients in Sainsbury’s!”

Kayleigh Smith, 34, Therapy Assistant Practitioner in Women’s Health, is Carol’s daughter-in-law, works with her and is married to her youngest son, Tom, 36.

She said: “Carol is very important to me. I have been a part of her family since I was 16 and I am so very proud of her as my mother-in-law.

“If it wasn’t for Carol, I wouldn’t be who I am, and where I am today. She is my hero, and I love her with all my heart.

“I am the lucky one as I get to see her outside of work but speaking on behalf of everyone who knows Carol and has worked with her, she will be dearly missed in GOPD.”

Carol, who was originally from Bloxwich and now lives in New Invention, plans to spend more time with her four grandchildren of ages ranging from six to 14.

She also wants to get more involved in the community, take up yoga and Pilates, and might buy a puppy to accompany her Shih Tzu Max, aged 11.