It was a bittersweet send-off for one of Grimsby hospital’s longest serving members of staff when Teresa Jackson decided to hang up her nursing uniform.
Teresa has clocked up a massive 62 years of service to her local community after starting cadet nurse training at the tender age of 16. Following her training, Teresa worked at the old Grimsby hospitals and latterly, Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital for the whole of her nursing career.
Teresa, fondly often referred to as TJ, and formally Sister Jackson, has cared tirelessly for her patients over the years, and has navigated her way through the many changes in nursing techniques, therapies, and treatment over the years. One thing has remained the same – her steadfast passion, compassion, and desire to look after her patients.
Teresa dreamed of becoming a nurse from the age of nine and could often be found bandaging her dog and baby sister!
On finishing her training, she became a staff nurse on a general surgical ward, and In April 1971 she became the youngest ward sister. She also became an approved examiner for the General Nursing Council in 1972.
The mum-of-three switched to working nights on the Special Care Baby Until after the birth of her first child, which is where she stayed until 1983, when she returned to general nursing as a staff nurse working for 12 months on a ward for the elderly. From there, she returned to surgery becoming one of the first Clinical Nurse Practitioners in Surgery in Grimsby in 1995. From here, she became a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Colorectal and Stoma Care in 2014, which is where she has worked since.
Speaking earlier in the year, Teresa said: “Looking back on my career, my fondest memories include passing my nurse finals and when I was invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace. I have also seen many changes in nursing, as back in the 60s when I started it was patient-orientated, not machine-orientated as it is today.”
Her colleagues and friends celebrated her retirement by hosting a presentation in the hospital boardroom and a meal out, to mark the end of her career. Former highly-respected colorectal surgeon, Mr Pearson and his wife showed their appreciation to Teresa for her years of service whilst in his team by hosting another meal and afternoon get together. Anyone who knows Teresa is aware the way to her heart is through her stomach!
Speaking on her last day, Teresa said: “I’ve met the most amazing people and the most loyal staff who were just beyond words. There are some really lovely people and I’ve been honoured to work with them, and look after our patients, over the last 62 years.”
Amanda Stanford, Group Chief Nurse at Humber Health Partnership, the organisation running Hull University Teaching Hospitals and Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Foundation Trust, paid tribute to Teresa.
Amanda said: “Congratulations to Teresa on her well-deserved retirement. Sixty-two years is an incredible achievement, and I would like to thank her for her dedication and hard work over the past six decades – she truly is inspiring. I want to offer my heartfelt thanks for everything she has done for us and the people she has looked after over the years.”