“Patients are at the centre of what we do – it’s about being their advocate and doing the right thing, not the easiest thing.”

Kay Barrett is retiring from the world of Occupational Therapy in Walsall today, after clocking up 42 years’ service in the NHS.

The mother of two already knows what she’ll miss most – the team, all colleagues and patients.

Kay, who is Team Lead for Therapies at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, based at the Manor Hospital, said she is “very proud” of the service that the team offers in the hospital.

“To be able to help people to regain their independence and go back home as well as support families through difficult times is rewarding,” she said. “I’m very proud of the service we offer with patients at the centre of all we do. We do the best we can – it’s about being their advocate and doing the right thing, not the easiest thing.

“I’ve worked with some wonderful supportive colleagues, not just in Therapies but on wards, Doctors, Nursing staff and all Support Services, Catering and Portering staff as well as those in the ICS and community. I will miss everyone.”

Kay, 64, qualified in Occupational Therapy (OT) from the Welsh School of Occupational Therapy, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff in 1982. After a short spell following her graduation, she worked as a Basic Grade OT in Gloucester and joined Walsall Health Authority in August 1983. At that point, the Occupational Therapy Service covered the whole district, and she started her career at St Margaret’s Hospital in Great Barr.

In July 1985, Kay took on the as a Senior I within Elderly Care, based at Goscote Hospital between 1990 and its closure in 2006.

Kay‘s career moved to the Manor Hospital in 2006, firstly on South Wing and latterly as the Team Lead for Therapies covering Elderly Care from 2008.

Richard McShea, Clinical Manager – Therapy Services, said: “Kay will be missed greatly, not only a colleague and friend to many within the department and hospital, but also as an extremely caring and compassionate Therapist who put her patients at the heart of all that she did.”

Kay is looking forward to “me time” in retirement.

“I just want to say goodbye and thank you for all your support and friendship. I will miss you all – you have been like a second family and hopefully I’ll see some of you outside work,” she said.