The incredible nurse who's dedicated 65 years of her life to the NHS
Norma Newcombe is one of the longest serving nurses in the country
One of the longest serving nurses in the country has decided to call it a day after more than six decades in the NHS.
Norma Newcombe officially retired from duty last week surrounded by colleagues and patients from past and present. Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust revealed she was the oldest nurse in Britain last year following her 80th birthday.
Norma ended her 65-year career as a school nurse working out of Hindley Health Centre.
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She said: “I am both humbled and proud to serve such a wonderful institution founded by Aneurin Bevan which has serviced our country and its people, enabling them to have a better and healthier quality of life.
“I have worked in a job I love since 1958, including 50 years as a school nurse, and have certainly seen many changes. As a nurse, my main vocation was, and will always be, to care.”
Sharing a poem, written for her team, Norma reminisced on their time together and how proud she is of her colleagues, finally adding: “From 1973 to 2023, my journey’s end, and I’ve loved it all, every last road and bend.”
After becoming a nurse 65 years ago, Norma has worked for WWL for over 50 years and remained committed to her profession, working five days a week at Hindley Clinic – the place where she began working in her local community in 1973 after completing her training in Liverpool.
Norma has now decided it is time for her to retire from her post whilst she is still fit and active and able to enjoy herself. Norma has lots of friends and family and is planning to keep in touch with her schools and do some volunteering with them.
Sharon Swift, Community Public Health Specialist Practitioner at Hindley Clinic, said: “Norma will be missed by all of the 0-19 service but we certainly wish her well with her next chapter. She holds a special place in the hearts of the children and families that she has helped over the years – many for three generations. Norma is a very special part of our School Nursing family and is loved by all of the team for her heart of gold and her dedication to the school age population of Wigan.”
Rabina Tindale, Chief Nurse at WWL paid tribute to Norma saying: “Norma’s commitment to her profession over so many years is astonishing, and we wish her all the best for what sounds like what will be a very active retirement. She will be missed.”