School Nurse with over 60 years’ NHS Service retires

A Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust nurse with over 60 years of NHS service has retired from duty.

Norma Newcombe, a school nurse who works from Hindley Health Centre, was joined by colleagues past and present, as well as some of the children she has cared for throughout her career, to celebrate her retirement.

Norma commented: “I am both humbled and proud to serve such a wonderful institution founded by Aneurin Bevan which has serviced our country and its people, enabling them to have a better and healthier quality of life.

“I have worked in a job I love since 1958, including 50 years as a school nurse, and have certainly seen many changes.

“As a nurse, my main vocation was, and will always be, to care.”

Sharing a poem, written for her team, Norma reminisced on their time together and how proud she is of her colleagues, finally adding: “From 1973 to 2023, my journey’s end, and I’ve loved it all, every last road and bend.”

After becoming a nurse 65 years ago, Norma has worked for Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for over 50 years and remained committed to her profession, working five days a week at Hindley Clinic – the place where she began working in her local community in 1973 after completing her training in Liverpool.

Norma has now decided to retire whilst she is still fit and active and able to enjoy herself. Norma has lots of friends and family and is planning to keep in touch with her schools and do some volunteering with them.

Sharon Swift, Community Public Health Specialist Practitioner at Hindley Clinic, said: “Norma will be missed by all of the 0-19 service but we certainly wish her well with her next chapter.

“She holds a special place in the hearts of the children and families that she has helped over the years – many for three generations.

“Norma is a very special part of our School Nursing family and is loved by all of the team for her heart of gold and her dedication to the school age population of Wigan.”

Rachel Cheetham, Community Public Health Specialist Practitioner and 0-19 Operational Manager for Health Visiting & School Nursing, said: “She is the matriarch of our team and is recognised as such in our community.

“Norma is truly a remarkable woman and has dedicated her life to care for others. I am proud to know her personally and professionally and wish her well on her retirement.”

Rabina Tindale, Chief Nurse at the trust said: “Norma’s commitment to her profession over so many years is astonishing, and we wish her all the best for what sounds like what will be a very active retirement. She will be missed.”