Dedicated school nurse retires after 50 years
Royal Wolverhampton NHS TrustA "much loved" school nurse in Wolverhampton is retiring after a 50-year career in the NHS.
Julie Thomas has spent the past five decades devoted to the health and wellbeing of children and families across the city, the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust said.
She has spent the last 38 years as a school nurse in Bilston, finding herself caring for the children of the parents she once looked after.
She described her career as "the privilege of a lifetime" adding that she will miss all her colleagues, parents and the children.
Her career started in August 1975 as a cadet at New Cross Hospital before working in microbiology and on the children's ward at the former Royal Hospital.
"In 1976 I worked at Penn Children's Hospital which was eye opening - caring for some of the most vulnerable," she said.
She also also spent some time working at the city's Eye Infirmary.
"It was very strict there - you would have to stand up every time a matron came into the room. I learnt a lot there," she added.
She then moved into school nursing in June 1986.
'So much care and compassion'
"When I see the sons and daughters of former children I was a nurse for coming through the doors, I feel such joy knowing I've been part of their family's journey for generations," she said.
"I will really miss my colleagues - we feel like one big family. They are all fantastic and do an amazing job.
"I will miss everything about the job - the parents, the children and the staff."
Emma Jones, group management PA for children's community services and children and young people in care (CYPIC), said Mrs Thomas was her school nurse as she was growing up in Bilston and said she would be missed by everyone.
"I remember her being someone that was always there to offer help, guidance and support to myself and other pupils at school. She demonstrated so much care and compassion," she said.
"Now looking at things from a different perspective, I have been working with the School Nursing Service for 15 years and Julie's passion and dedication to her role has remained consistent through the years."
Hazel Hawkins-Dady, matron for School Nursing, thanked her for her dedication and added that the team wished her every happiness in her new chapter.
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