A nurse is retiring after 50 years of service in the NHS.
Wilma Burns works as a clinical nurse specialist in the ophthalmology department at the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven.
Wilma started her career in 1974 as a cadet nurse at the West Cumberland, aged 16.
She said: “I went on to do my State Enrolled Nurse training and when the opportunity was given, I did the conversion course to registered general nurse.
“I have held many roles throughout my career, including cadet, pupil nurse, state enrolled nurse, sister, matron, and clinical nurse specialist in ophthalmology, which is the post I hold now.
“I have worked in quite a few specialties, surgery, medicine, palliative care, and my true vocation, ophthalmology both at West Cumberland Hospital and the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle.
“When I started in ophthalmology, patients undergoing cataract surgery were inpatients for a week. Now they are in and out in an hour or two.”
“I have seen many changes, some good, some not so good but I have always been proud to call myself a nurse. I have worked with some inspiring and dedicated people over the years who helped me along my career path.”
Wilma’s colleague, staff nurse Sandra McCrickard, said: “Over 50 years, Wilma has touched the lives of many staff and patients. Her commitment and loyalty to the trust has been unwavering.
“Her speciality for most of this long career has been ophthalmology, where she has supported and encouraged many new staff along the way.
“She is someone who always goes above and beyond, going the extra mile on a daily basis. We hope she knows how greatly she will be missed and how much we have all appreciated her hard work and friendship.
“Wilma is looking forward to spending more time with her family, especially her daughter and two beautiful grandchildren. There is no doubt that she will keep herself busy enjoying life with them and her husband, who has already retired.”
