Pat bows out after lifetime of service to Bury patients

Date published: 13 August 2009

A nurse who has dedicated her entire career to the care of Bury patients has retired after 44 years of service working in the town’s hospitals and the local community.

Pat Hartney, known to patients as Sister Pat, began working for the NHS in Bury as a trainee cadet nurse at 16 years of age and held various posts throughout her career. From 1986 until retiring this August, Pat has been a diabetes specialist nurse for Community Services Bury.

Colleagues recently held a surprise farewell party in Pat’s honour at Bury Town Hall to celebrate her achievements. Local doctors and nurses who have worked with Pat over the years came along to wish her well for the future including Dr Morris Benaim, retired medical consultant with a special interest in diabetes, who appointed Pat at the beginning of her nursing career.

Dr Jerry Martin, local GP and chair of NHS Bury’s commissioning board commented:

“Pat was the only diabetes specialist nurse in Bury for many years. By simply mentioning the word ‘diabetes’ to patients or staff in hospital, GP practices and within the community, people automatically think of her.

“I have worked with Pat for 22 years and she has a wonderful sense of humour and a smile for everyone. Pat has been a loyal member of the team and a great asset to the local NHS. She will be greatly missed and we wish her a long, happy and healthy retirement.”

Pat said:

“Over the years I have had a fabulous career in Bury making lots of friends, both patients and staff. I was delighted to see so many consultants, doctors and nurses at my retirement and would like to thank them all for making it a very special occasion. The diabetes nursing team are more than colleagues to me, I consider them to be dear friends. I feel sure I have left the diabetes service in good hands and would like to thank the team for organising such a lovely party. I will remember it for a long time.”