After 54 years, Ann has earned a break
ANURSE at Southport hospital has retired after working for the NHS for an impressive 54 years.
Ann Mary Allman, 70, officially left her position as a staff nurse in general outpatients at Southport Hospital on Friday, January 19.
At just 16, Ann began training as a nurse in Birmingham, before later relocating to Southport for her husband’s career.
After arriving in the town, Ann spent time working at New Hall Hospital and the Promenade Hospital – both of which now no longer exist.
In 2001, she began working as a staff nurse at Southport Hospital and she has now retired from this position after 17 years.
Ann continually worked fulltime up until February last year, when she decided to do part-time work, and she has taken no career breaks.
Ann, whose mum and two aunts were also nurses, said: “I am going to miss my friends and my colleagues – although I plan to stay in touch – and spending time helping the patients.
“I love what I do, and I was very lucky to start to do a job that I loved so young.
“It is challenging at times, but very rewarding.”
Ann admitted that she had noticed many changes over the years during her time at the NHS.
She said: “When I trained to be a nurse, we didn’t use as much technology as we do now and there was nowhere near as much paperwork to do.
“And although current staffing levels are dire, I think this has been an ongoing issue since I started.”
She also said that positions and official titles of roles have changed within departments, creating more structure.
When asked if she prefers the way things used to be, Ann said: “I think you always think back on ‘the old days’ fondly, but if changes have been made, they have been made for the better.
“The new changes will have been put in place to improve patient care.”
Ann admitted that she found the day she retired bittersweet, but she stuck to her decision.
She added: “On the day I retired, I had mixed feelings – but I had a great last day.
“It was my decision to retire. I have always said that I will never work past 70 because there is a life out there.”
Now that Ann’s retirement has officially started, she plans to “take it as it comes” and has already booked two holidays.
She also intends to spend more time doing things she enjoys, such as going to the gym and dining out with friends.