Matron Karen Melling's little white lie did the trick and moments later our hugely popular matron Jan Carter was at the centre of her surprise retirement do.
As soon as she appeared in Surgical offices at HRI to a resounding Three Cheers, Jan burst into tears and triggered them off right around the room. One by one her colleagues from down the years all broke down in sobs.
Associate Director of Nursing, Jo Middleton, hailed her "the very best". " You are an inspiration to so many and an amazing and valued member of the team. I know you wanted to slip away but we couldn't let you go because we love you," she said.
She added: "I can't believe the day has finally come. I have never met a nurse who is as professional, caring and dedicated as you. Your reputation goes before you, you are so very highly thought of. I know you think it is a closing chapter but you must also know that so many nurses have been inspired by you."
Jan was presented with Taittinger champagne and flowers after rushing down from Ward 19 to attend the bogus trauma meeting with Mrs B!.
She said she was too upset to speak - and everyone burst into tears again!
Chief Operating Officer, Helen Barker, sent her own congratulations and thanks. She said: “ I would take this opportunity to add my very best wishes to Jan – a real, professional and caring matron. I am also happy that my “Big Cheese” reputation – ha ha- enabled Surgery with their surprise send-off. All the very best, Jan.”
However, once recovered, CHFT Weekly managed a chat with Jan later on.
Here's her story....
Jan trained in 1978 at Pinderfields Hospital, qualified in Dec 1981 and worked as a Staff Nurse Neuro/General ICU and as Sister Neuro/General 1CU. She came to Huddersfield as bank nurse 1989 after getting married, moving to Huddersfield and having her first child. She started work on ICU HRI 1990 as a Staff Nurse part-time then became a Band 6 sister ICU in 1998. From 2000 – 2014 she was a Band 7 ICU and in 2014 was appointed Matron
She plans to spend time with her husband, family and friends and take lots of foreign holidays and weekends away walking the dog.
She adds: " I will miss all of the amazing teams that I work with everyday across Orthopaedics and particularly my surgical Matron colleagues. What a team !! And of course the patients.".
Becoming matron was her career highlight. She said: "I have loved every minute of my nursing career but my current role as Matron has been an amazing experience that I never thought I would ever have the opportunity to do."
She added: "Working every day with Matron Frost has been hilarious . She brightens my day !!
And revealed becoming a nurse was her mum's idea. when Jan decided that she didn’t want to go to University!