Nurse Sharon Williamson
A Blackpool nurse is set to retire after 40 years’ service.
Sharon Williamson, 58, from St Annes, started her training at the Blackpool School of Nursing, housed at Blackpool Victoria Hospital in 1979.
She said: “I had always wanted to be a nurse like my two aunts who had really successful careers. My father had advised me that nursing would be a tough job, so I worked at a book publishers and hated it. I then applied for nurse training and the rest is history.”
Following her training, Sharon’s first post was in paediatrics as an Enrolled nurse in a 65 bedded ward. Sharon later completed her Registered Sick Children’s training at John Moore’s University and spent 13 years working nights while her daughters were young.
Later, Sharon went onto days and worked on a secondment to the Paediatric outreach service. She completed 22 years on the Paediatric unit, before here current post in the Children’s Emergency Department.
She said: “I have enjoyed interacting with countless families over the years. Some of the children have known me all their lives.
“I still miss the camaraderie of the busy children’s ward, but most of the team from back then are still in touch which is lovely.”
Being a nurse in Children’s A&E can sometimes be difficult. Sharon said: “There are things that really upset you but no matter what has happened out there, all we can do is our best for that child and their family while they are here.”
Emergency Department Interim Matron, Tara Hassett, said: “Sharon has been an integral part of the Emergency Department and I would like to take the opportunity to thank Sharon for her service to the department and the wider hospital.
“Forty years of service is an amazing achievement and on behalf of the Emergency Department, I would like to thank Sharon for her years of service and the service improvements she has been involved with.
“We wish her every happiness in her well-earned retirement.”
Sharon has some plans once she has retired. Her and her husband have a motor home and plan to go across Europe, sometimes with some of their five grandchildren in tow.
Sharon added: “Blackpool Victoria Hospital is the only place I have worked and I have thoroughly enjoyed my career here and worked with some truly amazing colleagues and patients.”