A “valuable” member of Walsall Healthcare’s Community Services, known for her enthusiastic support for new initiatives, has retired today (Thursday 31 October) after 36 years in the NHS.

Jo O’Grady, Community Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP), started her Nurse training in 1988 and worked at Good Hope Hospital for ten years – five of those in the Emergency Department.

But she found her true calling in Community Nursing and she completed her Independent Prescribing qualification in 2005.

Jo’s passion was for keeping care closer to home and she was a District Nurse, Community Matron, ANP and – after completing her MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice – a Community ACP. Colleagues say she was particularly proud to gain her ACP qualification.

She has also worked across many regional NHS Trusts.

Jo, 55,  described Community Nursing as “a privilege” and a career she has thoroughly enjoyed, despite her original plans to become a teacher.

She said: “I didn’t get the A Levels I needed so decided to reconsider and went into Nursing, plus I liked the independence that training gave me as an 18 year old.

“It really is a privilege to go into a patient’s own home to support them and I’ve never stopped thinking that. Patients trust us to do so and I feel we’re able to learn so much more about them compared to when they’re in a hospital bed.

“Keeping care closer to home is important as that’s where our patients feel happiest.”

Nursing is definitely a strong family theme – Jo’s mum was an Enrolled Nurse; her husband is a retired Nurse and her stepdaughter is also a Nurse.

Jessica Holmes-Stanley,  Lead ACP – Community at Walsall Healthcare, said: “I am so thankful that Jo chose to join us here at Walsall as a qualified, experienced, and professional ACP. Her background in Community Nursing has been so valuable to us.

“Jo has supported us here on new ventures, such as the ACP model into our Stroke Rehabilitation Unit. We feel very lucky that Jo chose Walsall to complete her NHS journey, and I am looking forward to seeing her adventures in the future.”

After retirement, keen paddle boarder Jo plans to spend some time visiting friends in Australia and the Far East, with husband, Gary. She is also eager to get some more miles on the clock of her motorhome!

As well as her clinical expertise, Jo will be missed for her culinary skills. “She makes the best Millionaires Shortbread in the world,” added Jessica.