Golden nurse - Learning disability nurse celebrates 50 years of NHS service
A Sussex-based nurse will be retiring this September after dedicating the last 50 years of her life to supporting people with learning disabilities.
Jane Field currently works for Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust as a Community Learning Disability Nurse in Uckfield.
After first completing the Cadet Nursing Scheme at Crawley College in 1974, Jane began her Learning Disability Nurse training in 1976. Jane worked as a Charge Nurse, and later managed a set of NHS residential bungalows in Horsham for people with learning disabilities following the closure of institutions. Jane later joined Sussex Partnership, where she will be completing her final shifts in the coming weeks.
Matt Box, Community Learning Disability Matron at Sussex Partnership, who has worked with Jane for many years, said: "Throughout her career Jane has always placed the people she has worked with at the centre of her care, and been a strong advocate for people with learning disabilities. This hasn't always been easy, with historically the rights of people with learning disabilities not always being recognised.
"Her knowledge, experience and sense of fun has been an inspiration and a joy to all those she has worked for and with."
Jane's son Nic later followed in her footsteps and trained as a Registered Mental Health Nurse, and currently works at Sussex Partnership as a Service Manager in Haywards Heath.
Jane Padmore, Chief Executive Officer for Sussex Partnership, said: "I would like to thank Jane for her outstanding long-service and contribution to the NHS. As a Registered Mental Health Nurse myself, I have the utmost respect for the dedication that Jane has shown to her profession, and to the many people that she has supported over the years.
On behalf of Sussex Partnership, I would like to extend my thanks and well wishes for a very happy and restful retirement."