GWH stoma care nurse retiring after 50-year career in Swindon

Ever since the present of a nurse's uniform from her grandparents at the age of seven inspired her to become a nurse, Judy Pullen has spent her entire career helping others and saving lives.

Even a discouraging remark from a tutor, who told her father at a parents' evening that she should forget about being a nurse and work in a supermarket instead did not put her off.

After finishing her education at Penhill Secondary School and Commonweal, she started her first shift as a cadet nurse at Princess Margaret Hospital on September 4, 1972 aged 16, while studying two days a week at college.

She completed training in 1977 and began working as a staff nurse until 1980, then became a ward sister until 1982 before going on to be a bank staff nurse in 1983, which meant she could have time off to welcome her daughter into the world.

In 1996, Judy became an assistant stoma care nurse, then worked in the speciality full-time from 1998 as lead nurse.

PMH closed in 2002, to be replaced with the Great Western Hospital. After that, Judy had secondments to matron in 2005 and to deputy general manager for surgery and stoma care in 2008.

Judy Pullen (Image: Newsquest)

The 66-year-old said: “Everyone was sad to see PMH go but it had served its purpose. GWH is much bigger and had newer equipment, it was a significant upgrade”.

“Things are very different to how they were 50 years ago. Nurse training has changed significantly – I learned on the wards and had exams, now there are degree-level courses.

“Surgical techniques have improved, patients don’t stay in hospital as long after operations, and people live longer.

“There are challenges in nursing, the same as any job. Different areas have different pressures, it’s hard work, but rewarding.

“It does not matter when you get into nursing, it’s always fulfilling to know you have helped someone and cared for them.

“There are always patients who will tug at your heartstrings - I could spend all day going through emotional scenarios I’ve experienced. There have been great moments as well, like when you hear someone is clear of cancer after looking after them.”

Two of Judy’s stoma patients nominated her for an NHS Hero Award which she received in 2013. She has had articles published in the nursing press and has been an associate lecturer at Oxford Brookes University.

She was the inaugural chair of the Association of Stoma Care Nurses UK in which she chaired four annual conferences and helped progress the speciality, while being the UK's international delegate at world congresses.

She explained: “There were no specialist nurses in the ‘70s and early ’80s. Providing specialist care has been a huge benefit to patients.

“I’m passionate about my speciality and I’ve been very lucky to work with some amazing people and privileged to present at many conferences.

“I enjoy teaching. It’s important to have standards and develop the knowledge of junior staff. You can’t say ‘we have always done it this way’, you need to progress using evidence-based practice to ensure safe, effective care of the patient.

“I have a box of historic appliances in my office and every so often I’ll get them out to show others how far we have come."

Judy Pullen in front of an NHS mural inside Great Western Hospital (Image: Newsquest)

Judy is now getting used to the idea of retirement and is proud but modest about what she has achieved over the years.

She said: “I’m sure I’m not the only person who has reached 50 years in the NHS. It doesn’t seem like 50 years have passed and I don’t know how I’m going to feel on my last day - probably very emotional.

“It seems surreal - I’m looking forward to it but will miss my job immensely. Post-retirement, I might look into the topic of immunisations, but I’ve not made a decision yet – first, a holiday!

“I’ve taught people who will hopefully take what they’ve learned a step further.

“There is not one thing that makes a good nurse. You have to have empathy, stamina, and respect for others while enjoying what you do.

“Isn’t that what we all aspire to be – a caring person?”