With more than 170 years of service between them, Tameside Hospital has said a sad farewell to five long-serving members of staff.

All have retired after dedicating decades to the NHS. The Women’s Health Unit said goodbye to nurse Lynn Gardner, who has worked in the NHS for almost 48 years.

Colleagues in the Unit came together for a celebratory lunch to thank Lynn for everything she’s done, and to wish her well in the next chapter of her life. Meanwhile, the Outpatients Department celebrated the retirement of two long-serving colleagues, Sue Hopkins and Jayne Hindley.

Sue has worked in the Outpatients Department for an astonishing 45 years, with Jayne completing nearly 30 years’ service. Colleagues turned out in their droves to wish them well and they were joined by family members.

Meanwhile, Dawn Doyle worked her last shift recently as a nurse in the Emergency Department after an amazing 46 years with the NHS. After starting her career at the former Ancoats Hospital, Dawn moved to North Manchester General Hospital before joining the team at Tameside and Glossop integrated care NHS FT. 

Deputy Chief Executive Trish Cavanagh thanked Dawn on behalf of the thousands of patients she has cared for over an amazing career spanning five decades. 

Also retiring is Michelle Holt, Clinical Systems Trainer, after 27 years’ service with the Clinical Informatics team. Heath informatics is one of the
fastest growing areas in health. It in volves the intelligent use of information and technology to provide better care for patients.

Michelle was treated to a final day buffet lunch by colleagues before they wished her a long and happy retirement.
Karen James OBE, Trust Chief Executive of Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS FT, thanked them all for their dedication, care and commitment. “We are so lucky to staff who choose to stay with us for the length of their careers and share with us their learning and the wisdom only
years of experience can bring.

“They demonstrate all that is great about our hospital and the NHS. We are going to miss them, but we all hope they each have a long, happy
and well deserved retirement.”