Adam Dance, MP for Yeovil and a Governor of the local hospital, paid a heartfelt tribute to Pat Wilcox as she retired after an incredible 51 years of service as a nurse at Yeovil Hospital. To mark the occasion, Mr. Dance presented Pat with a surprise bouquet of flowers, expressing his gratitude for her unwavering dedication.
"It is through the hard work and commitment of Pat and her colleagues at Yeovil Hospital that the people of South Somerset continue to rely on the NHS," Mr. Dance remarked. "Pat has devoted most of her life to the NHS, particularly in the emergency department at Yeovil. While there are challenges in accessing GPs and dentists, Yeovil Hospital remains a vital source of help and reassurance during emergencies. Without this support, our community would feel much less secure."
Mr. Dance also extended his best wishes to Pat as she embarks on her retirement, thanking her for her decades of service to the people of South Somerset and West Dorset. He added, "I hope Pat and her husband, Bernie, will now take some time for themselves and, as Pat says, begin a new chapter in their lives."
Reflecting on her career, Pat shared, "I always wanted to be a nurse and began my training in January 1973. At that time, the hospital was small, with two Nightingale wards, a children's ward, a private wing, and what was then called 'casualties,' along with outpatients. The District Hospital opened in March 1973. I qualified in 1976, working initially in Main Theatre and Intensive Care before spending 47 years in the Emergency Department."
Pat continued, "I've experienced sad times, happy times, and what I would call character-building times. I feel privileged to have worked alongside an amazing team, supporting so many people and their families. At 18, I never imagined that 51 and a half years later, I would be walking out the door for the last time."
She was particularly moved by Mr. Dance's visit, saying, "On Friday, I was shocked and humbled when Adam Dance MP visited to thank me for my service to the community, presenting me with beautiful flowers. I didn’t expect this; I’ve simply done the job I loved, being part of an incredible, dedicated team working together to provide the best care possible. I will miss my patients, their families, and my colleagues, but I’m excited to start a new chapter in my life."
Mr. Dance concluded by reaffirming his commitment to supporting Yeovil Hospital and working to restore the NHS, ensuring that the community can continue to rely on accessible and reliable healthcare.