A much-loved Paediatric Ambulatory Care Assistant at Worthing Hospital was given a heartfelt send-off marking the end of her 50-year career.
Friends and colleagues gathered on Bluefin Ward to celebrate 79-year-old, Jean Redfern, as she worked her final shift on the children and young people’s ward.
Sam Barnes, Bluefin Ward Sister said: “Jean has been an exemplary member of staff over the past 50 years. She always goes above and beyond for the patients and families in our care and really looks after the team working around her. Bluefin will be so lost without Jean, but we hope she enjoys her retirement, as she thoroughly deserves to.”
The mother of two and grandmother of four began her career at Southlands Hospital in the early 1970s following a stay on a surgical ward as a patient.
Despite receiving care herself, Jean was keen to help where she could and began supporting staff with making beds. When the ward sister asked Jean if she would like a job, within the hour she was giving her an application form.
At the time, Jean was a stay-at-home mother to her two young sons but took a leap, starting to work temporarily two nights and week, and never looked back.
Jean said: “I just fell into it and loved it. For a patient to say thank you, it means so much because you don’t get it in other jobs. I also loved working as part of a team. Everybody was so supportive.”
During her half-century on the wards, Jean worked in many departments, from gynaecology and orthopaedics to surgery and the maxillofacial unit (MFU) before joining paediatric care 35 years ago, where she went from a Healthcare Assistant to a Paediatric Ambulatory Care Assistant.
From making beds to helping take bloods, Jean would support the ward with both administrative tasks and clinical care and was always willing to lend a helpful hand where she could.
Jean was dedicated to looking after her patients and their parents, always equipped with a warm smile and greeting for those on the ward and across the hospital.
Jean said: “I have learnt so much. It’s a good career and I wish I had done it sooner. I have thoroughly enjoyed what I’ve been doing and could go home and not worry.
“You get out of a job what you put into it and the main thing is that you enjoy the job. Thank you to all for the support I’ve had from everyone because without them I wouldn’t have coped. It’s like a family here.”
With plans to enjoy more gardening, walking, and going to the theatre, this chapter isn’t quite closing for Jean, as she will be coming back to Bluefin working temporary shifts on the staff bank.
Jean admitted: “I will be coming back, can’t do without Jean.”
We wish Jean all the very best in her very well-earned retirement and look forward to welcoming her back soon.