In March, School Lane Surgery will say a fond farewell to one of its most loved faces, as Sue retires after more than 40 years working as a nurse.
Sue’s journey into healthcare wasn’t quite what she first imagined. As a young woman, she dreamed of becoming a helicopter pilot with the RAF, drawn to the thrill of flying. Her father gently steered her towards nursing instead – a decision that shaped not only Sue’s career but the lives of countless patients and colleagues. Her love of aviation never faded, though, and over the years she has still embraced her sense of adventure, flying in Chinook helicopters and other aircraft.
Sue trained at the Royal Masonic Hospital and joined the NMC register in 1982, building experience in recovery, psychogeriatric care, X-ray, general medicine, surgical nursing and outpatients. As a forces wife, she spent time in Germany before returning to England to work in the community for five years.
In 2000, Sue joined the old Cottage Hospital in Thetford as a phlebotomist, also covering outpatient clinics when needed. In April 2005, she transferred to School Lane Surgery to develop the phlebotomy service, quickly earning the affectionate nickname ‘The Batty Bat’ – a nod to her skill with a needle and the warmth she brought to every clinic.
She later returned to treatment room nursing, mastering INR testing, women’s health screening and cardiac monitoring. A natural mentor and team player, Sue has guided colleagues with patience and humour, loved by patients and staff alike, though she has been known to firmly remind people to follow instructions… albeit with a twinkle in her eye.
Outside work, Sue runs the annual Macmillan Coffee Morning at the HLC, raising significant funds year after year, and has served as a school governor at Norwich Road School.
Family is central to Sue’s life. She is a proud mother of two daughters and a devoted grandmother. She enjoys gardening, exploring wildlife and spending time by the sea with fish and chips and a view of the water.
Generous, loyal and kind, Sue brings warmth wherever she goes and is often the life and soul of any social gathering. As she looks ahead to retirement, she plans to enjoy charity work and more time with friends old and new.
Sue leaves an extraordinary legacy of care, compassion and commitment. She will be deeply missed at School Lane Surgery, but everyone wishes her every happiness for the adventures still to come.
Sue, you are one in a million. You will be missed not only by the patients, but every one of the staff, past and present. So, happy retirement and thank you for your years of dedicated service.
The School Lane Surgery team
