“There’s no greater joy than helping people on their path to recovery,” says the 66-year-old
who began her career in nursing just weeks after her 16th birthday in 1974.
Incredibly she has spent her entire professional life at North Cambridgeshire Hospital (NCH) in Wisbech – sister hospital to The QEH – caring for generations of patients with unwavering compassion.
Born and raised in Lincolnshire, Sandra joined the Nursing Cadet Scheme right out of school, training on NCH’s former children’s Jubilee Ward.
Reflecting on her early aspirations, she said: “When I was at school, I always wanted to be a vet or a nurse. Back then, there weren’t many opportunities for female vets, so I decided to pursue nursing instead.”
Sandra’s journey through the years has been marked by dedication and resilience. After a brief period working in theatres, she transitioned to the hospital’s A&E and Outpatients department in 1982, where she has served ever since.
In 2001, she became a registered nurse, further cementing her place as a vital part of the NCH family.
Throughout the many changes at NCH, Sandra’s commitment to patient care has remained unwavering. “NCH has changed so much since I first started—it’s almost unrecognisable now,” Sandra shared.
“Despite the transformations, it’s the patients who have kept me here. I’ve always found nursing incredibly rewarding, and there’s no greater joy than helping people on their path to recovery.”
Sandra’s compassionate care has not gone unnoticed. Val Feetham, Outpatients Sister at NCH said: “Sandra is a wonderful nurse and continues to be an integral member of our team. She is an inspiration to us all and is so loved by her patients.”
Although Sandra plans to retire next year, she has no intention of slowing down just yet.
Once retired, she looks forward to joining her husband in exploring the UK as members of the National Trust and indulging in her love of cricket and horse racing.
Alice Webster, CEO of The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), expressed her admiration for Sandra’s remarkable career: “We are incredibly grateful for Sandra’s dedication and the many years she has spent caring for the people of Wisbech and beyond. To have served 50 years in the NHS, all at NCH, is an extraordinary achievement and a true testament to her caring nature.”
Sandra’s outstanding service will be formally recognised next month at the Trust’s Long Service Awards Ceremony in King’s Lynn, where she will receive an award and certificate in appreciation of her dedication and commitment.
As Sandra looks towards retirement, she leaves behind a legacy of compassion and excellence in patient care. Her story is an inspiring reminder of the profound impact that one dedicated individual can have on a community.
