Surprise celebration for NHS nurse to mark 40-year service

District nurse team leader Julie Thompson has devoted four decades of her working life to helping people in Warrington, including those in need of palliative care towards the end of their lives.

Described as ‘vibrant and knowledgeable’ by her work friends, the 58-year-old Cinnamon Brow resident began her NHS career at Culcheth’s Newchurch Hospital in 1981.

After eight years, she started at Birchwood Medical Centre, working for 10 years as a bath nurse before qualifying as a district nurse in 2002 and specialist community practitioner in 2008.

A surprise celebration was held for nurse Julie Thompson to mark her 40 years of service to the NHS in Warrington

Following her surprise celebration, Julie said: “The past 40 years have flew to be honest, as the dedication and passion for patients has driven me along the way.

“Our patients are at the forefront of it all, and I’ve loved it and made lovely friends along the way – friends I’ve met 40 years ago and am still friends with today.

“The surprise party everyone organised for me was quite a shock – I couldn’t believe it, but seeing people I’ve worked with over the years was lovely.”

One of those who helped to organise the event was Margaret Grady, who paid tribute to Julie on behalf of the whole Warrington East NHS team.

A surprise celebration was held for nurse Julie Thompson to mark her 40 years of service to the NHS in Warrington

“Julie has given 40 years of her working life to the NHS, and in our team, we didn’t know anyone that had done that before,” she explained.

“She is still a really vibrant member of the team and a massive resource of knowledge and experience for all of us.

“We wanted to pay a bit of a tribute to her and recognise her achievement, and we were honoured to celebrate the milestone with her.

“It was a complete surprise to her and she was absolutely flabbergasted.”

A surprise celebration was held for nurse Julie Thompson to mark her 40 years of service to the NHS in Warrington

Well wishes were also offered by Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

A spokesman added: “Julie is such an experienced district nurse that her team look to her for advice on the most complex patients.

“She is an invaluable support to the team, brings to work her own brand of humour and is a joy to work with.

“The Warrington East team are proud to be a part of celebrating this prestigious milestone with her – well done and thank you Julie.”