Party farewell for nurse Julia (From Gazette Series)

Party farewell for nurse Julia

A NURSE has retired after being based in Cam and Dursley for 27 years.

Julia Daniel, originally from Cornwall, was the first state enrolled nurse in this area to start working in the community, in the 1970s.

Previously, only state registered and auxiliary nurses had been district nurses.

Julia Daniel's initial nursing training had taken place at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital; and she then trained as a district nurse, with Hereford and Worcester medical authority, in 1979.

Twenty-one years later she qualified as a registered general nurse (the current equivalent of a state registered nurse), following open learning'training with the University of Winchester.

Ms Daniel said: "I have loved all aspects of the job, especially having regular, more personal relationships with people, because of meeting them one to one.

"I have got to know families and all the dynamics in patients' lives."

She added: "I've made a colossal amount of friends, with patients and colleagues."

Ms Daniel, who lives in Cam, was given a retirement party by colleagues at the Orchard Medical Centre in Cam where she has been based.

The party, organised by Jackie Davis, took place at the Sandpits Clinic in Dursley and about 50 people attended.

Ms Daniel said: "I had a lovely day, and was given vouchers and flowers by the primary care trust and lots of other presents and cards from doctors and other work friends."

She is waiting to have a knee operation at the moment, and then intends to pursue several 'irons in the fire'.

She will continue with her work as a Cam parish councillor.