District nurse retires after serving Knutsford families for 38 years

Sister Joy Taylor has set a new record after serving the local community for an incredible 38 years.

The mum-of-three says she has loved every minute of her rewarding career.

"Every day is different," said Joy, 60, who started nursing, 42 years ago in 1979. "Colleagues have asked me over the years why I have stayed in one job. Where could I have gone that is better? It is so rewarding, it makes it all worthwhile."

After completing SEN training, Joy worked initially worked at Withington Hospital and then fulfilled her ambition to care for patients in their own homes.

"I've always wanted to work in the community," said Joy. "Everyone is always grateful for all the help from the district nurse. You meet lots of people and see different members of families over a period of time.

"It is like one big family. I can't go into the shops without someone talking to me. I know Knutsford inside out, I don't need a Sat Nav."

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Joy's colleagues captured pictures from her nursing career in a special retirement card

Joy's colleagues captured pictures from her nursing career in a special retirement card

Joy has carried out a multitude of tasks as she tended to thousands of patients over the years, helping people recovering from surgery and chemotherapy, overcoming serious illness and injuries or living with complex medical conditions.

"It is such a varied job, that is what I like about it," said Joy. "You get a little bit of everything. You organise your own timetable and work round times that suit the patient and you.

"You have a lot of responsibility working on your own. Our visits are unpredictable. You could be going to give a simple injection and find a patient on the floor."

Looking after many elderly and terminally ill patients, she said, has been very special.

"That's the sad part of the job," said Joy. "I feel privileged to be part of that family's journey. When my late mum and dad were both poorly, nurses and doctors of Knutsford looked after them.

"Being a nurse you are learning all the time. Our role has completely changed from when I first started.

"I have always worked well with the doctors and want to thank all my colleagues. They are a fantastic team, every single one one of them."

A miniature figure of Joy was created by her colleagues on a celebration retirement cake

A miniature figure of Joy was created by her colleagues on a celebration retirement cake

Joy has twin sons Troy and Logan, 18, and Tobias, 21, who are all at university.

The twins are studying planning and real estate in Manchester and Tobias is studying business management in Chester.

District nurse Joy Taylor

Joy with husband Ian and sons Logan, Troy and Tobias

Husband Ian, 64, a retired Knutsford police officer, said: "I am very proud of Joy. She is very committed to the community and loves her job.

"She has a very caring nature. It is quite an achievement to have served as a nurse for 42 years."

Joy was showered with gifts from her colleagues

Joy was showered with gifts from her colleagues

Colleagues showered her with gifts and cards at a special retirement presentation on Thursday.

Joy relaxing with dogs Snow and Storm

Joy relaxing with dogs Snow and Storm

Sister Beverley Patterson recalled how impressed she was when she was mentored by Joy on her first day.

Beverley said: "I remember more than anything how welcoming, kind and caring Joy was and is with all her patients and how well she was respected by all the patients we visited.

"Like all great nurses, Joy is not quite ready to hang up her nursing bag and is returning to work on the bank. So it's not farewell, it's au revoir."