Nurse Elaine retires after 43 years

Elaine Lewis had worked for East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust since 1983 when she started as a part-time enrolled nurse on night duty on the acute unit and accident and emergency at Rossendale Hospital, until she was given an emotional send-off by friends and colleagues on her retirement.

After successfully completing her training and becoming a D grade staff nurse, Elaine was upgraded to an E grade registered general nurse based at Burnley General Hospital in 1994.

She continued her studies gaining a registered sick child nurse qualification and eventually becoming an emergency nurse practitioner in 2005, a vital role colleagues said she performed with dedication and distinction until her retirement.

Friend and colleague Matron Julie Kay said: “Elaine was a pleasure to work with, she always came into work with a smile on her face.

“Elaine’s dedication and commitment was first class and she will be missed by all her colleagues and patients at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust.”

Elaine’s NHS nursing career saw her work in many different fields, including psychiatry, elderly care, accident and emergency, acute and theatres.

American-born Elaine added: “I am looking forward to the next chapter of my life but I will miss being a part of the hospital community.”