We’re wishing a happy retirement to two long-standing colleagues, who have between them worked at CHFT for almost 85 years!

Judith Croft has just retired from her role as Secretary to Mr Metcalf, Mr McWilliams and Mr Parker in Trauma and Orthopaedics. Judith pulled together a few words to share more on her 52-year career at CHFT.

"I started working at Royal Halifax Infirmary as a Medical Secretary in July 1974, after completing a two-year full time Medical Secretarial course at Bradford College. I was Secretary to an Orthopaedic and an A&E Consultant. I later moved on to be the ENT Secretary with my own office until I left ENT in 1981 to have my first child, Melanie. 

“I was constantly back at the Infirmary to help when people were on leave, and after a brief spell in working in A&E, came back full-time working for Orthopaedic Consultants once more.

“We had good times at the Infirmary and moved on from typewriters and shorthand to computers, which we weren’t so keen on at the time.

“We then moved to Calderdale Royal Hospital.  It was strange at the time as we arrived in our new office with no desks or chairs and one telephone between us all!

“I retired last week. It’s a big wrench but I can't work forever.  I have loved my job at Halifax and will miss friends, colleagues and patients very much.  Holidays and gardening here I come. "

Theatre Scheduling Manager, Michelle Fuller, said: “It was lovely to have a fuddle with Judith and her colleagues to celebrate her retirement. She will be sorely missed by everyone in T&O and other colleagues that she worked alongside. The place certainly won't be the same without her.”

We’ve also waved a fond farewell to Sharon Horsley, who worked in the Care of the Patient at Home team.

Community Matron, Jayne Woodhead, said: “Sharon devoted almost 32 years of outstanding service to CHFT, spending all of her career providing care to a patient in his own home with highly complex needs. As a valued member of the Care of the Patient at Home Team within the Community Division, she demonstrated dedication, compassion, and professionalism throughout her long and distinguished career.

“Working in a home environment requires not only advanced clinical skills but also immense patience, adaptability, and kindness. These are all qualities that Sharon has shown every single day. Over the years, she has built a trusting and meaningful relationship with the patient and their family, offering not just expert care, but also reassurance, dignity, and continuity in what can often be challenging circumstances.

“Sharon has been a constant and reassuring presence, advocating for her patients' needs and ensuring that care is always tailored, respectful, and compassionate. She will be greatly missed across the team and we wish her a long, happy, and well-deserved retirement, enjoying all the things she loves most, including starting to foster Labradors.”