KAY O’Neill, the longest serving member of the nursing team at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, has retired after nearly 30 year’s service.
While at Dr Kershaw’s, Kay, who was already a qualified SEN nurse, trained to become a registered nurse.
Over the years she took on more responsibility, working her way up to become ward manager before recently reducing her hours and moving to the Well-Being Centre where she helped to provide holistic care for patients with long-term health conditions.
She is also a bit of an amateur actress, having taken part in the Hospice Christmas panto appearing as a ballerina, policeman and a Roly Poly to name but a few of her roles.
Outside of work, Kay enjoys spending time with husband Eamon, son Liam, and their two Jack Russells, Jack and Ruby.
Kay and Eamon are huge Elvis fans and Kay has been known to don an Elvis outfit from time to time to raise funds for the Hospice.
Recently, she persuaded her husband to part with some of his beloved Elvis memorabilia which she donated to Dr Kershaw’s.
The items were auctioned on eBay and raised £4,000 for patient care.
Julie Hague, Ward Sister, who has worked with Kay for more than 25 years, said: “Kay is very professional in her day job but has a great sense of fun.
“Kay is the sort of person who people trust and confide in. She will be a great loss to Dr Kershaw’s, both in her professional capacity and also as a friend and colleague.”
Staff nurse Linda Algar added: “Kay is a lovely, kind person. Over the years she has made a big impact on the nursing staff, patients and volunteers.
“We are incredibly sad to see her go but hope that she will come to visit us whenever she has time.”