[J]anet Rigg, a registered nurse and clinical leader on the Oncology Units at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI) and Westmorland General Hospital (WGH), will hang up her uniform for the very last time at the end of December 2017 after five decades in the nursing profession.
Mother-of-two Janet, who is originally from Lancaster and now lives in Bolton-Le-Sands, was presented with gifts and a long-service certificate by David Wilkinson, Director of Workforce and Organisational Development, at a retirement celebration, today, surrounded by friends, family and colleagues.
Janet’s career started in 1968 at Lancaster’s Beaumont Hospital, where she trained and worked for 22 years. When the hospital on Slyne Road closed in 1990 she transferred to Queen Victoria Hospital in Morecambe and worked as a nurse on the ear, nose and throat and urology wards.
In 1994, Janet transferred to the RLI where she worked night duty on the surgical and medical wards. In 2000, she began working on the Oncology Unit at the RLI where she has cared for over 60,000 patients who have received chemotherapy and associated treatments. She was pivotal in the opening of the Grizedale Unit (WGH’s Oncology Unit) in 2011.
Janet, who is retiring to spend more time with her daughters and two grandchildren, said: “I will miss working very much, and mostly I will miss the camaraderie of the staff, and especially the patients who are always so grateful for all we do. I would like to thank colleagues Alison Scott and Courtney Spinks who have both been a great influence and support to me in my oncology career.
“I enjoy walking and spending time with family and friends, and will be able to enjoy longer holidays when I want to.
“I do feel very sad and think I could have worked a lot longer, however things have changed so much in the NHS I think it is time to take a back seat and let the younger ones continue their good work.”
Sue Procter, Sister and Unit Manager for Oncology, UHMBT, said: “Janet is an amazing, inspirational and truly wonderful nurse – all seeing, all knowing and definitely wise. Janet is an expert peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line placer and has always embraced new challenges with good humour and professionalism.
“Janet has also been key in the successful set up and continued management of the Grizedale unit at WGH and will I know be sadly missed by patients and colleagues alike.
“On a personal note Janet has always been extremely kind and supportive to me during my time on the unit offering much needed information and advice regarding all things oncology and chemotherapy related.”
David Wilkinson added: “I want to wish Janet a very happy retirement and thank her for everything she has done for the Trust over the years and her dedication caring for our patients.”
