The face of Penrith hospital, Linda Bell, is retiring from her role at Penrith urgent treatment centre after almost half a century in the profession.
Linda started her career on January 8 1973 as a student nurse at Carlisle Acute Hospitals.
On qualifying, she started work on April 5 1976 at Penrith Hospital as a staff nurse on an elderly care ward.
Linda has since worked in a variety of roles across Penrith hospital, and is one of its best known members of staff, due to her caring nature, long service and her work with the hospital’s league of friends.
Over the years, she has worked at the former cottage hospital on Beacon Edge, as well as in other community hospitals.
She has worked as a staff nurse, sister, nurse practitioner and also modern matron across Penrith, Brampton and Alston community hospitals.
She will end her career as a nurse practitioner on April 4, after graduating more than 20 years ago.
Kathryn Orme, urgent treatment centre team lead, Penrith, said: “Linda is a well-known, highly respected and caring nurse, who has dedicated her career to the care of the people of Eden.
“She has been an excellent role model and teacher. All staff who have worked with her have greatly benefitted from her wealth of knowledge and experience.
“She has been extremely supportive of all who have ambition to achieve their goals or who just need extra support in times of trouble. Linda will be greatly missed by all her colleagues and patients at Penrith urgent treatment centre.
“She has previously been singled out for recognition in the CEO blog for a compliment received from a grateful patient.
“This is just one of many she has had over the years. We all send our love and best wishes for a very happy and healthy retirement.”
Over the years Linda has been very involved with Penrith Hospital League of Friends, helping raise vital funds to purchase equipment and support a range of building improvement works at Penrith hospital. To the delight of the charity, she plans to continue this.
Chris Mitchell, a long-standing member of the Penrith League of Friends, said: “Linda has devoted her whole working life to caring for the patients of Penrith and the Eden Valley, and we are delighted that she has agreed to become chairman of Penrith Community Hospital League of Friends this year.
“She has played a major role in the fundraising and other activities of the League over the years. I now hope she enjoys her well-earned retirement.”
Linda said that as well as continuing the charity work with the League of Friends, she is also looking forward to spending time with her grandson and on her allotment.
