Staff Nurse Carolyn Walker was completely shocked when she arrived for a wedding anniversary meal - which turned out to be a huge surprise party thrown by her  colleagues.

Carolyn worked on the orthopaedic outpatients department for 22 years and was in sister Jane Cash's words "an amazing nurse".

As leaving presents Carolyn very generously bought each member of staff  - 30 in all - a gift, as well as a coffee machine for the staff kitchen and a microwave for the doctors.

Jane, said: "She was a dedicated, experienced and skilled member of staff who will be missed by the orthopaedic team.  In particular she has acted as a mentor for many students over the years and has done an outstanding job, helping many student nurses to develop into staff nurses".

The department held a buffet to celebrate the occasion and she was presented with gifts and flowers including an “orthopaedic family tree” – a framed “tree” with the names of the members of staff she had worked (pictured).  

Staff nurse Steph Leid and clinical support worker Sophia Aspinall also arranged a surprise party for her at the Wireworks and invited staff past and present (main photo).  This was a real surprise for Carolyn as she thought her husband was taking her out to celebrate her wedding anniversary!  A great night was had by all, and superbly organised by Steph and Sophia.

We wish her success and happiness in the next chapter of her career. Carolyn will be a Healthcare Assistant in a school.