A beloved midwife, who has been working at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust for 50 years, said goodbye to work colleagues after retiring this month.
Janice Haswell, 67, first came for an interview at North Tees General in 1974, to be a student nurse. She was initially offered an auxiliary job working on a medicine ward for a year, before starting her student nurse training.
Training from 1975 – 1978, Janice spent a year in urology as a staff nurse before beginning her midwifery training in 1979 and qualifying in 1980.
Janice said: “I’ve seen so many changes through the years. There have been so many medical advancements. When I started on the ward there wasn’t really scans – if you had pre-eclampsia for example – you were kept on the ward for most of your pregnancy.
“I think as I’ve gotten further along in my career and I’ve gained more experience I’ve been able to enjoy the job fully as I can have a calm head in all situations. It was rewarding going home each shift knowing I had done my best for my mothers and their babies.”
“Despite all the medical changes and changes in the job role I still love the job and will miss it – but knew it was time to leave and to pursue other things.”
Now that Janice is retired, she is looking forward to getting her time back to pursue other passions and hobbies.
She continued: “I’m really looking forward to more travelling – visiting my Son and family in friends in London, Spain and Australia for one. I’m also taking part in the Cleveland 4 peaks after dark challenge.
“It may seem silly, but I’m also really looking forward to having nice, professionally done nails!”
The delivery suite celebrated Janice’s retirement with some sweet treats and retirement gifts, while colleagues from past and present all dropped in to wish her well.
Maternity assessment unit manager, Julie Verity, said: “Janice has nurtured and mentored many midwives throughout the years – having a hand in the development of many careers.
“She really is an irreplaceable member of the team and will be sorely missed by all her colleagues. We wish her a happy retirement.”