‘Golden girls’ video fun helps hospital bosses recruit nurses
APAIR of nurses who have worked together for 46 years have shared their experiences in a bid to recruit the next generation.
Anne Starkie and Jane Kelly, both 64, met as student nurses at Macclesfield Hospital in 1969 and became friends. They went separate ways to work in different wards but came back together 15 years ago when Jane told Anne about a position with her in theatre recovery, helping patients after operations. They are now a formidable team nicknamed ‘the Golden Girls’ - and are never short of ways to inject a bit of fun and put patients at ease.
When chief executive John Wilbraham heard about their long service he met up with the friends to congratulate them. He asked them to be part of a video to recruit new nurses.
Anne, a grandmother of five who lives with husband Tris on Robin Lane, Lyme Green, said: “It came as a huge surprise to management that we had been there for so long.
“We shared our views of bygone days and what as young nurses expected of us.
“We were glad to take part in the video.
“There’s a lot of doom and gloom around the NHS but we wanted to show we still love our jobs and Macclesfield Hospital is a great place to be. We wanted to bring what we know to the future generation.
“Jane and I always try to have fun. Jane is the backbone of the recovery department and everyone loves her. Everyone needs a Jane.
“We may retire next year but it will be together. We came in together and will go out together.”
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Anne worked nights as a young nurse while caring for her three children, before later moving to orthopedics. Jane has worked her whole career in theatre recovery.
They took their NHS pensions three years ago but continue to work two days a week.
They have spoken about how nursing has changed. Anne’s salary was just over £1,100 when she qualified in 1974.
She said: “As student nurses we were on the ward from day one, it was marvellous, but now it’s so different and is about getting the right degree. It was very strict.
“Matron had a maid who used to light the fire and make breakfast for her.
“When we made the beds the crease had to be down the middle of the sheet, the pillow cases fac- ing away from the door and the wheels of the bed straight, ready for matron to inspect.”