Shoreham nurse retires after 47½ years in the NHS

A Shoreham nurse has retired after more than 47 years of service in the NHS, saying she is sad to leave at an exciting time for healthcare in the Adur district.
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Jan Whitchurch started her career at Westminster Hospital in 1973 at the age of 18 and has worked as a practice nurse in the Shoreham area for more than 30 years.

She retired at Shoreham Health Centre yesterday, Wednesday, March 10.

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Jan said: “I have had a wonderful career specialising in respiratory diseases, asthma and COPD and all aspects of women’s health.

Jan Whitchurch on her last day at work, Wednesday, March 10Jan Whitchurch on her last day at work, Wednesday, March 10
Jan Whitchurch on her last day at work, Wednesday, March 10

“I have had wonderful support from Simon Howard and the partners at Adur Medical Group, then Harbour View Healthcare and currently Adur Health Partnership, as it is now named, each merge increasing patient numbers.

“I am sad to leave as I see a very exciting future for this merged surgery. Patients in Adur can expect just the best care.

“I started nursing in September 1973 lttle knowing my career would span 47½years.”

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Jan qualified at Westminster in 1977 and staffed on an orthopaedic ward before moving to Brighton Royal Sussex, where she worked on an ear nose and throat ward and later the renal dialysis unit, where she became a sister.

Jan Whitchurch started her nursing career in September 1973Jan Whitchurch started her nursing career in September 1973
Jan Whitchurch started her nursing career in September 1973

She left Brighton when her first child was born in 1982 and moved to Shoreham, where she changed from hospital to general practice, joining what was the Watson practice at Shoreham Health Centre in 1983.

Jan said: “I moved to Northbourne Medical Centre, where I worked for the wonderful Dr Alison Smith and partners for 20 years, and finally settled back at Shoreham Health Centre 17 years ago.

“I leave with a happy career behind me and lots of hope with my hobbies, bellringing, dancing and my new little miniature dacshund Norman, and, of course, my three beautiful children and grandchildren, and partner Nick.”

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