Today we said an emotional farewell to a nursing stalwart who has dedicated 44 years to the NHS in Teesside.
Theatre sister Marie Seaton, from Hartlepool, was joined by her colleagues as they said their ‘goodbyes’ to the 75-year-old nurse and wished her well in her retirement.
Happy days
Marie, who has served thousands of patients in her career, said: “I started my training at Hartlepool Hospital in 1979.
“My first post after qualifying was at Cameron Hospital, Wilson Ward at Hartlepool which was a gynaecology and obstetrics speciality hospital. I worked on the gynaecology ward for six years before progressing to theatre where I found my niche.
“The hospital closed its doors in 1991 and we moved to the University Hospital of Hartlepool site where we joined forces with general surgery, orthopaedics and other services.
“These were happy days and I learned new skills in all specialities, made lifelong friends and eventually became sister of gynaecology and obstetrics.
“In 2013, major gynaecology was redirected to the University Hospital of North Tees. My beloved speciality was moving so of course I moved with them.
“…the best 10 years”
“I’ve had the best 10 years here and have trained some amazing nurses. I loved to pass on my knowledge and skills to all members of staff.
“I’ve had the most incredible support from my colleagues and I couldn’t have worked so long without them all.
“I’m 75 now so time to hang up the scrubs. My heart is heavy having to leave such wonderful professionals. I’ve enjoyed and embraced my role and hope my enthusiasm lives on.”
Marie is intending to spend her well-earned retirement with her husband Thomas, a former warehouse supervisor, their two grown up children Ryan and Emma, and their six grandchildren.
The ‘nurse’s nurse’
Care group director Rowena Dean, commented: “Marie will be missed by all who knew her. She was in every way, the ‘nurse’s nurse’, a confident and skilled theatre specialist who has demonstrated drive to improve services and the utmost professionalism at all times.
“Her loyalty to the Trust, to the staff she led and taught and the quality of service she delivered will be remembered by all of her colleagues.”