A ‘super star’ nurse has celebrated her 80th birthday and is still going strong after 60 years of service to the profession. Norma Newcombe came to Hindley Health Centre where she received a big surprise party.
Bosses at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (WWL) wanted to celebrate this landmark for Norma who has been with their trust for 40 years. The now 80-year-old is still working five days a week at the Hindley Clinic and serving her community as passionately as when she first started.
Norma spoke of her time at WWL, the dedication she has to serving her local community, and paid tribute to her colleagues.
“I’m just a School Nurse who does the job,” she said.
“I’m proud to be where I am and I’m very passionate about the local area and everything related with Hindley and School Nursing. We have brilliant team leaders and I work with a brilliant team of school nurses and health visitors and I’m just happy as I am and where I am.”
Amongst the many stories she told to friends and colleagues, she spoke with great pride about the relationships she had built up with the children and families in the local community throughout the years.
Rabina Tindale, Chief Nurse at WWL paid tribute to Norma saying: “We are immensely proud to have Norma as part of the WWL team and access to her significant experience and wisdom, we hope she had an amazing day celebrating her birthday with her colleagues. Norma’s commitment to her profession over so many years is astonishing, and we wish her all the best as she continues to care for the school-age population in the Hindley area.”
Readers of the Manchester Evening News were keen to share their congratulations with Norma and thank her for her dedication to the profession.
“What a Fantastic achievement 60 years of being a nurse and at the age of 80 still working,” Stewart Fletcher said. “Congratulations and a very Happy Birthday.”
Former colleague Susan Ferguson said: “Happy birthday Norma wow, 80, I started working with her when she was a mere 50 year old and she's still as fabulous as ever.”
Jennifer Mangnall weighed in: “Congratulations and a huge happy 80th birthday to such a lovely lady.”
“Aww Congratulations Norma, such an achievement,” Susan Aspinall said.
Trudy Messenger exclaimed: “Best nurse ever. Happy birthday Norma.”
Amanda Joanne said: “Congratulations Norma. You are an absolute credit to the NHS and an all round super star.”
Countless other readers wished her a happy birthday and praised her for all her good work over the years. Sharon Swift, Community Public Health Specialist Practitioner at Hindley Clinic also spoke with pride about Norma’s incredible work in the area.
“All the children and their families know Norma as she has been the school nurse for at least three generations," Sharon said. “The schools have a great respect for Norma and her experience, this assists her in her important role of health promotion and the safeguarding of children.
“Norma is always happy and chatty in the team and has completed some great work with families within the 0-19 team”.
Norma is now all set to start her 49th school year working within WWL this September.
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