Local woman retires from NHS service after more than 50 years

A local woman who has worked in the NHS for 54 years retired last month after starting her career in 1970 at Melksham Hospital.

Sylvia Lucas started as a nursing auxiliary at Melksham Hospital and says serving in the NHS for her whole working life has been a privilege. 

“Back in the ‘70s, it was different times in the NHS,” explained Sylvia. “Things were very strict but we were taught values; we wore our uniforms, starched aprons and hats with pride. My position was to assist the trained staff in caring for the patients, who were mostly elderly. I really loved caring for their everyday needs and rehabilitation with dignity and respect. 

“I really enjoyed spending time to chat with them, learning all about their lives and growing up. They had some wonderful stories to be told. There, I worked alongside many lovely staff members, many of whom are still my friends and we meet up regularly.  

“There is one person in particular who I will always remember with such great fondness and that is Sister Childley (I am sure a lot of Melksham people will remember her). Sister Chid, as she was fondly known, taught me so much and I have always carried her principles and standards with me.” 

Sylvia left Melksham Hospital in 1992 to work at the Royal United Hospital in Bath as a maternity care assistant. “This obviously was a totally different role I found myself in but with the help of all the staff, I soon got to grips with it,” says Sylvia. 

“To be part of the emotional journey of the parents, seeing their new babies being brought into this world, the joy and excitement on their faces seeing their little one for the first time was very overwhelming. I felt privileged to be a part of their new adventure. Obviously, there were more aspects of the job – maybe too many to mention.  

“It was here once again that I was lucky to have found so many friends. Over 80 of them turned up to my farewell party, it was overwhelming. 

“I would like to give a huge thank you to my husband Paul, who has also recently retired, for all the love and support he has given me during my NHS years.”