Two members of the Maryport district nursing team are retiring and combined they have served the NHS and the people of west Cumbria for nearly 100 years!
Dawn has been nursing for half a century
Dawn Davidson is retiring from her role as District Nursing Sister with Maryport Community nursing after nearly 50 years of NHS service.
Dawn started as a nurse cadet in September 1972 at West Cumberland Hospital. She then worked at Cockermouth Hospital before moving to the ward at Maryport and then onto working in the community nurse team.
Eve Richards, ICC Operational Lead, Maryport & Cockermouth said:
“On behalf of the ICC nursing teams, Maryport GP practice, Maryport Day Unit and other staff that have worked with Dawn over the years. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dawn for all the dedicated years of working in the NHS, helping thousands of patients over the years as well as supporting her team through challenges, including the pandemic.”
Dawn is going to spend some quality time with her new great nephew as well as getting time out walking in the fells.
Sherry retires after nursing since aged 16
After more than 40 years nursing in Cumbria Sherry Patterson, has decided to retire.
Sherry’s good friend and work colleague sent this tribute, which explains Sherry’s long nursing career from cadet to staff nurse:
“Sherry started her nursing journey in 1969 at the age of 16 as a cadet nurse at Workington infirmary.
“In 1971, aged 18, she started her enrolled nursing and moved to the nurses home at West Cumberland Hospital.
“Sherry then moved to Maryport Hospital in 1974 and in 1975 I moved to be with her as we had always been together throughout our careers, followed by Margaret and Janet. Sister Stevenson was in charge at the time.
“In 1993 a new scheme of Nursing was developed for enrolled nurses to become state registered nurses as enrolled nurses were being phased out.
“In 1995 Sherry qualified as a staff nurse, which she has remained to this day, seeing many changes and challenges the NHS has faced.
“Sherry is a fabulous friend and an amazing college to many, but, most importantly, she is the most caring and professional nurse you would want looking after you and your loved ones (not being biased at all).”
Sherry is now heading for retirement and is looking forward to some well-earned rest, lots of walks, dinner dates and taking care of her great-granddaughter.
On behalf of colleagues at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, we wish the happiest of retirements to both Dawn and Sherry.