Thirty five years after starting as a trainee at Halifax, Matron Louise Taylor retired.... but was back two days later.
Colleagues incuding Brendan Brown, Lindsay Rudge, Ashwin Verma and Chris Lord-Tyrer queued up to pay tribute to her in the HRI Boardroom where Louise fought back the tears.
She said she had been overwhelmed when housekeepers at CRH had presented her with a fantastic gift the day before. She said: " I was really humbled. It's been all about teamwork to me. If we treat staff right then we know patients will get care with compassion as well."
She revealed she had wanted to be an actress but her mum had told her to get a "proper job". " I became a nurse and never looked back," she said. "I know there are good days and bad days and ups and downs but I have always been supported at CHFT and that's why I never left." She became a matron around 12 years ago - her proudest career moment - and will return to become our Night Matron (and started last Sunday!)
Medicines' Dr Ashwin Verma thanked her, Chief Nurse Brendan Brown hailed her one of the "go to" colleagues in the Trust and said her contribution to patients and colleagues could not be underestimated.
He said: " You have been instrumental in change and challenges and have led people through all of that. Thank you for nursing patients and colleagues in this organisation."
He handed over to "Platinum Command" deputy director of nursing, Lindsay Rudge who paid tribute to Louise's "impeccable professional standards", for always having fab hair on a Friday and for her being a stickler for governance which drew laughs around the room.
She said: "Louise leads by allowing others to flourish and bloom and had a passion for leading in this way, We have had some fun times and I am so privileged to be able to say a few words today."
Colleagues presented her with her favourite lillies and Harvey Nichols store vouchers. Louise plans more time with family including her son in London and her elderly parents as well as those CHFT nights!
We wish her very very well.