Fond farewell to Newbury nurse who ‘put patients first’

Forty people turned out for a tea party to celebrate Carol Irlam’s retirement, among them student and staff nurses from surgeries in Thatcham, Woolton Hill and Hungerford.
Mrs Irlam held various posts during her career, including midwife at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, and district nurse at Eastfield House surgery, Newbury, a position which she has held for the past 17 years.
A keen walker, she was presented with several gifts, including some walking poles, jewellery, flowers, a herb-growing kit and a cake covered in a selection of her catchphrases fondly remembered by her colleagues, such as “I trained with Florence (Nightingale)” and “wear your uniform with pride”.
“It was amazing,” said Mrs Irlam. “They are a brilliant bunch, a fantastic team to work with.
“It has always been a privilege to be a nurse and look after poorly people, it’s very humbling.”
Dr Bruce Letham, a GP at the Eastfield house surgery, said: “It has been a great pleasure to work with her.
“Our patients have been very lucky in having such a dedicated nurse who has always put the patient’s needs first.
“All the team at Eastfield House surgery have loved working with her and enjoyed her tremendous sense of humour.”