Nurse with 45-year NHS career retires

One of Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust’s (LCHS) valued nurses is retiring after a lengthy career.  

Jayne Ashby, who grew up in Heckington, started nursing in 1977, as a student nurse at the then, Lincoln school of nursing. 

In 1981 Jayne qualified as a state registered nurse and worked in acute hospitals, whilst bringing up two children, until she qualified as a midwife.  

There were no substantive posts in midwifery at the time, so she found her home in community services and stayed in this area for the rest of her career.  

Jayne has worked for LCHS for 30 years and her first role was as a community registered general nurse in the Sleaford area. She was one of the first community nurses to work in the district nursing team, visiting patients in their own homes and running wound care clinics from Sleaford Medical Group, based at Riversdale Clinic on Westgate, Sleaford.  

Natalie McKee, Divisional Lead for Integrated Urgent and Emergency Care, who nominated Jayne for LCHS staff awards last year said: “Jayne is a great nurse. She listens, cares and has always strived to do the absolute best for patients. She’s an asset to the NHS and this our opportunity to celebrate and recognise her contribution.” 

Jayne’s final role in LCHS is matron in Louth Urgent Treatment Centre. Her career highlights include working closely with adult social care as a health care leader, to implement the first intermediate care service in Lincolnshire, initially based in Grantham, then at Bonner House in Sleaford, both Lincolnshire County Council owned and run care homes. This service was set up to provide care either in a patient's own home or one of the care homes to prevent hospital admission or facilitate early discharge from hospital. In 2000 the service was nominated for the Nye Bevan national awards and came second in the region. 

Jayne enjoyed a secondment to the University of Nottingham as a lecturer/practitioner and taught student nurses on the making a difference diploma nursing course. This promoted a close working relationship with the university and students, ensuring students were supported on placement and got the most out of their time working in the community. Furthermore, it was an opportunity for students to be introduced to LCHS and hopefully want to return once qualified.  

After Natalie’s nomination, Jayne won the Chair’s award in LCHS’ staff awards for her dedication to LCHS and serving our community.  

Jayne said: “I have enjoyed my nursing career and working with LCHS is like being in one big family. Staff have supported me and been there for me throughout my career. 

“I was so proud to receive the chair’s award at the last staff awards before I retire. 

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I have spent working with LCHS and the many inspiring managers and leaders I have learned from and been proud to have worked with.” 

Jayne retires this week and plans to enjoy more time with her family, especially her five grandchildren. She also intends to see more of friends at a local fitness centre.