Colleagues from across our Trust came to say au revoir to Cardiac Team Leader Wendy Veevers - showing just how valued and missed she'll be.
Deputy Director of Nursing Lindsay Rudge hugged her saying "Thank you - you taught me to be the best nurse I can be".
And surprise guest Owen Williams, invited along by friend and Staff Nurse Kathryn Fairhurst, told Wendy: "I want to give my heartfelt thanks for all the work you've done for your service. It's one thing to give five, 10 or more years service to CHFT. To stay for four decades is amazing and you'll have affected so many peoples' lives. It's clear from the amount of people who have come today that there is a lot of respect for you here".
Wendy (main pic holding flowers) told CHFT Weekly: "I'm leaving on a high. Both the Cardio Rehab and Heart Failure Teams are fantastic and I'll miss every one of my colleagues and friends.
"It's easy to get embroiled in the day-to-day work and it's sometimes easy to forget just how good the care at the Trust is. That's why benchmarking and go-see exercises are important for people to see the standard of care we actually offer".
Wendy's career at CHFT began as a nurse cadet at the age of 17 years (see attachment below for a pic of Wendy as a cadet) when she started her registered nurse training at Calderdale school of nursing. Following her registration she accepted a post on Rawson Ward, a female medical ward with more than 30 beds and although a very tiring ward to work on it was also very rewarding. Wendy was under the charge of Sister Stevens, who must have seen the great potential then as she promoted her to junior sister within 2 years.
After some time out of nursing to become a mother to Abigail, Sarah and William, Wendy returned to the staff bank, working two days per week on the coronary care unit, venturing to the Angiography unit and lastly in to cardiac rehabilitation. Wendy came back full-time and was offered the position as Team Leader where she has been for more than 14 years. She has also recently had the task of also managing the Heart Failure team.
Cardiac Rehabilitation Sister, Sue Giles, said: "Wendy is well-loved and respected by all her team and many others who have had the pleasure of working with her over the past 41 years. She always brings out the best in each and every one of us, she allows and encourages us to be autonomous practitioners, but is always there to give advice, support and guidance when needed. We will truly miss Wendy but wish her a long, happy and healthy retirement".
Wendy will be having a long break to enjoy some travelling, granny duties and revamping her house.....but she's planning on coming back as bank next year.
It sounds like she'll get a warm welcome when she does.