Waterlooville nurse awarded for 50 years of NHS service

And now Jane Davies, who is still working for the Solent NHS Trust, has been rewarded for her services.

The 71-year-old from Waterlooville and has been awarded with a 50 years of Caring certificate for this achievement, and many others.

The grandmother-of-four is originally from Devon but started out at the Bristol Royal Infirmary aged 18, where she trained and worked.

Jane said: ‘I remember telling my father I didn’t like it.

‘He told me to stick it out and after a few months, I absolutely loved it – and I always have.

‘My mother told me that from the age of six I said I was going to be a nurse.’

Jane then went on to study midwifery in Aberdeen and in Plymouth, where she also worked on a paediatric isolation ward. After this, the NHS worker moved to Southampton with her husband, and worked in a maternity hospital, before settling in Portsmouth in 1972.

Jane worked as a community health nurse before becoming a health visitor.

Jane added: ‘Children are brought up in unequal circumstances and as 
health visitors we reduce those inequalities by offering opportunities to the children.

‘I absolutely love my job, I’d almost do it for nothing.

‘The families are so nice to work with and what I really enjoy is seeing 
them wanting the very best for their children.’

Jane retired when she was 65 but went back to work part-time immediately.

She left again when her husband died but went back when she was ready to work.

‘I’m not saying there haven’t been bad times or things I haven’t agreed with, but I really have loved my time with Solent NHS Trust,’ said Jane.

‘They’re good employers and I’ve worked with the most lovely people.

‘I have achieved 50 years of service because I’ve put the time in, I’m proud of it and I think it’s nice that people want to make a fuss of me.’

Carol Stevens, clinical team lead for health visiting in the north of the city at Solent NHS Trust, said: ‘Jane is a very established member of the team.

‘She’s been working with Portsmouth families for many years and is well-respected for her knowledge and expertise. We really do value her.’