Eastbourne twins retire on same day after 42 years of nursing

A pair of Eastbourne twins have retired on the same day after almost 42 years in nursing – and having never had a day off sick.
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Ward sisters Carole and Lynda Heather are looking forward to being able to spend more time with family and friends and pursue their hobbies, which includes travel and volunteering with St John Ambulance.

They said, “The work has been varied and at times challenging, but we have been fortunate to work with some incredible colleagues.

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“We would like to thank the many members of staff around the hospital for their gifts and best wishes.”

Lynda Heather, Vikki Carruth, director of nursing, and Carole Heather SUS-200605-133736001Lynda Heather, Vikki Carruth, director of nursing, and Carole Heather SUS-200605-133736001
Lynda Heather, Vikki Carruth, director of nursing, and Carole Heather SUS-200605-133736001

But despite their well-deserved retirement, they are still set to return to nursing on the temporary workforce to help with the fight against covid-19.

They officially finished working on the same wards at Eastbourne DGH they started their nursing career as a State Enrolled Nurses (SEN) almost 42 years ago. That was at the Sussex Downs School of Nursing, in Eastbourne in October 1978.

Carole started on Seaford One Ward, which was then a female trauma and elective orthopaedic ward and is now the Acute Medical Unit.

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Lynda was Matron on Hailsham Two Ward, elective orthopaedics, and then moved to Michelham Ward as a sister.

Lynda started there when it was the ENT (ear, nose and throat) ward with outpatient and emergency clinics.

Both Carole and Lynda were in the first group of SEN’s to undertake a two and half year conversion course to become Registered General Nurses (RGN).

They then completed their diploma, degree and ENB Higher Award qualifications.

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During their training, and since qualification, they have worked at many hospitals in and around Eastbourne including All Saints, St Mary’s, Hellingly and the District General Hospitals.

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