THE Dudley Group of hospitals has said a fond farewell to its director of nursing who has retired after more than 35 years in the NHS.

Denise McMahon started her nursing career aged 16 as a cadet before starting her nurse training at Walsall Manor Hospital in 1978.

During her time in Dudley, Denise has been instrumental in developing the Trust’s nursing and midwifery strategy and took on a number of lead roles in governance and infection prevention and control.

Chief Executive Paula Clark said praised Denise's work in raising the profile of nursing at the Trust and said it had been “a great privilege and an honour" to work with her.

She added: “Denise’s leadership and passion for nursing will be greatly missed and I’d like to thank her for her dedication to the Trust not only from myself, but also on behalf of the people of Dudley.”

Denise said: "It has been a privilege to work with such a wonderful team and I want to thank everyone I have worked with throughout my time here."

Although retiring from nursing, she plans to continue working - having taken on ownership of a designer bridal boutique in Lichfield.

She said: "I am excited about starting a new chapter in my life but also apprehensive as nursing is all I have known since such a young age."