Our stunned Chief Nurse, Lindsay Rudge, walked into a packed room last Thursday, as around 100 current and former colleagues gathered, along with her family, to wish her well ahead of her retirement.
Lindsay, who’s last working day is this coming Thursday, 19th March, was given a This is Your Life style send off, led by former Medical Director, David Birkenhead. Others who joined David to share more were Deputy Chief Nurse Jo Middleton, Patient Flow Co-ordinator Mary Nolan, former interim Chief Nurse Jackie Murphy, former Chief Operating Officers Helen Barker and Bev Walker, and former Quality Improvement Manager, Alison Lodge.
Lindsay’s NHS nursing career began 36 years ago, which she reflected on in a special edition of The Week last Friday, and many who attended are now long-standing friends after once working together.
Alison said: “I was privileged that you were my line manager before I retired when we led the patient experience agenda together. Seeing the person in the patient was what we promoted and now I get to be mates with the person in Lindsay.”
Jackie added: “I think we’ll all agree that Lindsay’s loyalty, dedication and love of CHFT is unique and has truly defined her. You have been so impactful, knowledgeable, passionate, courageous and kind. You’re the beating heart of CHFT and you’ll leave a legacy.”
Chief Executive, Rob Aitchison said: “When I took on the role of CEO you were one of the first to come up to me saying ‘tell me what you need and what I can do’. When Lindsay is sat alongside you, you feel safe and that she’s got your back. You’re finishing at the top of your game and you’ll be missed.”
Lindsay told the room of well-wishers: “All of the years have gone in a blink.
“I look around this room and I’ve had such a wonderful career because of all of you and that’s the beauty of it. I’ve loved being a nurse, but to get to do it with all of you has been the greatest privilege.
“You don’t often get to be in an organisation and look around the room and know everybody’s name and know everything you’ve done with them over the years. The stuff we’ve done together has been fantastic.
“I’ve lived my life here at CHFT and I wouldn’t have wanted to live it any differently.”
