Sharon celebrates 50 incredible years in the NHS

Since Sharon began her career in 1975, much has changed in healthcare: technologies, treatments and protocols. What has stayed the same is the commitment to care, and Sharon has been a constant example of that throughout her career.

Sharon's Career

Sharon began her student nurse training at Cheltenham General Hospital the day after her 18th birthday in 1975, attending Cheltenham School of Nursing. After qualifying in 1978, she worked as a staff nurse on Ward 7, a mixed general surgical ward with a special interest in colorectal surgery. A year later she moved to Ward 3, a male medical ward, before returning to Ward 7 where she also rotated into the Endoscopy Unit.

In 1980, at just 23 and a half, Sharon became the youngest sister employed at CGH when she was appointed Junior Sister on Ward 3.

Following the birth of her son Matt in 1985, Sharon returned to full time days before moving to nights the following year as Night Sister. She worked in this role for 10 years, managing incidents and events across the hospital out of hours, a role comparable to the Acute Care Response Teams of today.

In 1998 Sharon returned to day duty as Ward Manager of Prescott Ward. Although she had enjoyed the night work, she soon found her place on Prescott and made a real impact. It was a demanding role and at times family life and work blurred into each other. Her family now look back on these moments with humour, such as the time her daughter Jenna once went home with the cleaner after Sharon became too busy on the ward to arrange collection.

Always keen to improve services, Sharon went on to open one of the first Surgical Assessment areas in the country. Her model was so successful that staff from other trusts visited to learn from her work.

In 2017 Sharon became a Site Manager, a role she continues in today.

Reflections from Colleagues

“Sharon has always loved her career,” says colleague Julia Cross. “She was never interested in progression for status but for the right reasons, for patients and for her staff. She encouraged everyone around her to be the best they could be.”

Many colleagues agree that if they were ever unwell, Sharon would be their first choice of nurse. As Julia adds, “She has always been the best advocate any patient could want.”

A Remarkable Milestone

Across five decades Sharon has been admired, respected and valued. Her career is a testament to professionalism, commitment and care.

Congratulations to Sharon on reaching 50 years of service.