A Doncaster nurse has called time on her 40 year career

Nicole Whyler started nurse training at Nottingham in 1980 and became the hospice’s first inpatient Sister when it opened its doors in Balby in 1992.

Since then her care has touched the lives of hundreds of Doncaster families when they have been at their most vulnerable, an experience she describes as a “privilege”.

Looking back on the early days of St John’s Nicole, who retired this month as a Community Palliative Clinical Nurse Specialist, said: “How exciting it was to help then Matron Brenda Collins set up the service, welcoming the first patient and their family, and fulfilling the dream of Doncaster people to have a local hospice. A lot of money was raised by ordinary people to make it happen.

“Since then the time has flown as I have really enjoyed my career in palliative care and the comradeship of many colleagues. How lucky we are to have the NHS.”

Currently living in North Nottinghamshire, Nicole is planning to relocate to a more rural setting where she can enjoy a well-earned retirement, walking with a new family member - Cockapoo puppy Molly.

Sarah Bell, who heads Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust’s Community Specialist Palliative Care Team, said: “Nicole will be greatly missed by us all for her vast experience and wise, supporting words as a much-valued colleague.”

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