‘Brilliant nurse and fantastic role model’ retires

Being able to make a difference to patients’ lives was the career highlight for nurse Lyndsey Allen who retired from Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust this month.

Lyndsey, whose last job role has been in the Quality in Care Team (QiCT), joined the Trust in 1991 – she started her NHS career as a student nurse in Sandwell in 1987.

She worked at Goscote Hospital back in 1991 on its rehabilitation ward up until 1993 before achieving a community first.

“I was part of the first group of Staff Nurses to join Walsall Healthcare’s community nurses,” explained the mother-of-two. 

“Staff Nurses had not been part of community services before so this was definitely a first for our group and I’m proud of that.” 

Lyndsey also worked in Pinfold Health Centre, Bloxwich, before joining the Continence Service and the out of hours team within Community Nursing.

She completed her District Nursing degree in 2002 and upon qualifying re-joined the Continence Team. She was promoted to Clinical Nurse Specialist and Clinical Lead for the Continence Service where she stayed until 2018 when there was a re-design of the service. 

Lyndsey was Quality Lead within the service that was provided through the locality team before joining the QiCT last April.

“It has been my privilege to work with our patients over the years,” said Lyndsey.

“Continence is a life-changing condition and to be able to support them and make a difference to their quality of life has been so rewarding.

“I have also worked with a brilliant team within the Continence Service and for the last few months in the Quality in Care Team.”

Lyndsey, who has a granddaughter, plans to enjoy a proper break and look after her own health and wellbeing before spending more time on her arts and crafts hobby.

Her colleagues have described her as “a brilliant nurse and fantastic role model.”

Jo Nicholls, Continence Urology clinical sister, said: “I worked with Lyndsey for 14 years in the community continence service, and they were the happiest years of my career.  

“With Lyndsey’s leadership and enthusiasm, we built a lovely team, who were passionate about continence promotion and providing the best care for our patients.

“Lyndsey will be greatly missed, but we all wish her well in her retirement and whatever she does in the future.”

Sue Pardoe said: “Lyndsey is a brilliant nurse and a fantastic role model. I have learned such a lot from her and her support and friendship mean a great deal.

“She made the Continence Service in Walsall a service to be proud of. I feel privileged to have worked alongside her, and thankful to have her as a friend.”

Michelle Windsor, Continence Nurse Specialist, said: “Lyndsey has been a leading force within Walsall Continence Service for many years. As manager of the service, she has been the inspiration for guiding and shaping continence care within Walsall.  

“I have been lucky enough to have her as a manager for many years. Her encouragement and support throughout that time has been fantastic and I owe a lot to her dedication and friendship.”

Miriam McGurry, Lead Nurse QiCT, added: “Although Lyndsey has only been with the Quality Team for a short time, she has been a valuable team member, always professional, supportive and knowledgeable, she will be sorely missed.”