Nurses celebrate 40 years since they all began their training at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital
Four decades since they began their training at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, a group of nurses share memories and friendship
They have witnessed many changes in the NHS over the past four decades but one thing that has remained has been their strong bond and friendship.
A group of nurses who trained together at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital have shared their memories as they marked the 40th anniversary of the start of their careers.
After qualifying as Registered General Nurses in 1988, they all went their different ways, but many have kept in touch and regular reunions have taken place over the years. The most recent one took place at Plaish Park Farm, near Church Stretton, and was attended by 11 of the original cohort.
It was organised by Sue Pugh, who has fond memories of her training days. “I was a nurse for 20 years – latterly a practice nurse, I then taught health-related courses at Telford College to adults returning to education/nursing.
“Then a series of life events made me re-evaluate and I trained to become a yoga and well-being instructor, which really effectively combines many of the skills and knowledge from both careers. “Nursing can be a springboard to so many different careers and it started me on a very interesting and rewarding path.
“I live in South Shropshire and loved the reunion because it was a chance to reconnect with everyone and we had so many laughs.”
Linda Wood, who is now retired, spent 37 years in the NHS. She was 22 when she started her training in 1985.
“Most of the girls were 18 but I was a little bit older. I had become friends with a girl who was a nurse and she used to tell me about her job – I thought I would love to do that,” she explains.
After qualifying, Linda worked on the children’s ward at Shrewsbury and later became a staff nurse at Whitchurch County Hospital. After working in a GP practice, she spent 20 years with Cervical Screening Wales as a senior nurse and trainer.
“Everyone has different stories and has had varied careers. There are so many aspects to nursing, it’s a very rewarding career.
“Looking back, the best thing was the friendships I made over the years,” says Linda. The 40th anniversary reunion was also a special experience for Linda. “I don’t think we stopped talking the whole time – it was nonstop chatter. The place where we stayed was lovely,” she says.
