AN East Morton woman has retired after four decades in nursing – including several TV appearances!

Sue Taylor entered the profession on leaving school, and trained at St James’ University Hospital in Leeds.

She appeared in a number of episodes of the popular television series Jimmy's, filmed at the hospital.

After qualifying as a nurse in 1984, she worked on a surgical ward before moving to gynaecology and medical wards.

She became a ward sister at the age of 25.

In 2001, Sue decided to pursue an interest in working within palliative care.

"The hospital had employed its first palliative care clinical nurse specialist and I was really interested in what she was doing and how she approached looking after someone as they were near the end of their life," said Sue. "She was very inspiring to me."

Sue worked at St Gemma’s Hospice in Leeds for over a decade, becoming a team leader and then ward manager.

And in 2014 she took on the ward manager role at the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice, Manorlands, where she remained.

Under her leadership, a number of improvements were implemented in the inpatient unit – including in-depth work on falls prevention and a switch from paper to electronic patient records which could easily be shared with other healthcare professionals.

Sue said it had been "a great privilege" to work at the hospice.

"I've worked alongside some awe-inspiring colleagues – both at the hospice and across Sue Ryder," she added.

"I will miss the daily contact with such a group of exceptionally talented, courageous and kind individuals.

"I'd like to thank all my colleagues on the inpatient unit for always doing such a fantastic job in caring for our patients. Their ability to adapt and change, especially during the pandemic, has been truly amazing. The last eight years have gone quickly and this is down to their extraordinary passion and for doing the best job possible."

Tribute is paid to Sue by Sarah Bottomley, service director at Manorlands.

She said: "When Sue came here she brought a wealth of experience in leading and managing a hospice ward.

"She has been influential throughout her time at the hospice, implementing changes to the service delivery that benefit the patients, their loved ones and staff.

"We will all miss having her around, but she deserves a rest after 40 years of caring for patients, families and staff."