Audrey Goodey to the left of tutor Peter and her fellow new-starters in 1991
Visiting relatives in hospital as a child was the spark that led Andrea Goodey to choose a career in nursing.
“I visited Blackpool hospital a lot when I was young,” she said. “The nurses were so kind and used to show me things – and I thought this is what I want to do.”
Andrea did a pre-nursing course at Blackpool College before beginning her formal training at the Vic aged 19.
She enjoyed the camaraderie of “living in” at the hospital with fellow nurses and doctors. These were the days when nurses wore capes and hats which she remembers fondly. “It was hard work but worth it.”
On qualifying, Andrea worked in A&E for eight years before embarking on a series of community roles including work with homeless families and young offenders. She is now a school nurse.
A degree in community practice from the University of Central Lancashire, funded by the NHS, helped her to secure more specialist roles.
“We are lucky to have the NHS and we need to make sure we keep and look after it,” said Andrea.
A routine scan recently picked up a cancer for which she is now getting treatment, seeing care from a patient’s perspective.
“If it wasn’t for the NHS, I wouldn’t be here,” she said.
… now share your NHS75 story
We’re counting down the 75 days to the 75th anniversary of the founding of the NHS on 5 July – and Trust colleagues, patients and the local community can all take part.
We also want to hear what you love about the NHS as well as your stories and memories – and thank you to everyone who has been in touch so far.
- How has the NHS changed you or your family’s life for the better?
- Do you have pictures of times past at our hospitals and sites you’d like to share?
- Did you have family or friends who were with the NHS at its start in 1948?
- What inspired you to work in the NHS?
- Tell us if you are just one of many generations to work in the NHS
Share your ideas and memories by visiting the My Story section on our NHS75 web pages.