Matron Set to Retire After 37 Year NHS Career
Posted on: 29th March 2016
A matron for Louth and Skegness is hanging up her nurses uniform after a career spanning 37 years in the NHS.
Karen Kerman, Matron for Urgent Care at County Hospital Louth and Skegness Hospital, for Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS) will work her last day on Thursday, March 31.
Karen's nursing career began in 1979 when she undertook her training at Louth to become a state enrolled nurse. In 1992 she did a conversion course and was successful in becoming a registered general nurse. Following this Karen became a ward sister in trauma and orthopedics. She later became a medical ward sister and was seconded as matron for trauma and orthopedics for a year at United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust. She was then matron for County Hospital Louth. In 2014 Karen also took on responsibility for matron at Skegness Hospital.
Speaking about her upcoming retirement Karen said: "I have seen a lot of changes in the NHS over the years. I haven't got any specific plans for my retirement other than enjoying time in my garden and seeing my family more.
"My husband is retiring on the same day but is contracted to work two days a week for ULHT until he turns sixty."
Karen added: "My team at Louth have been fantastic. Since taking on the role in Skegness I have made some major changes and improvements which the staff have been really pleased with. I will miss my colleagues who all work tirelessly and would like to thank them for their loyalty, sheer determination and fantastic support over the years, especially my right hand man Jane Walker."
Lisa Green Director of Nursing and Operations said: "Everyone at LCHS wishes Karen all the best for her retirement. We would like to say a huge thank you for her hard work, commitment and dedication to her fantastic work over the years.
"Karen epitomises strong and effective clinical leadership and the skills and attitude of staff working with her is always professional and caring which reflects on her ability to always put patient care first."