Last updated 19:50, Thursday, 25 September 2008

ONE of Workington Community Hospital’s most treasured staff has retired after 40 years of service.

Sister Chris Ostle, 55, who worked at the former Workington Infirmary and transferred to the community hospital on Park Lane, was presented with gifts from a party of more than 100 colleagues on Wednesday.

Sister Joan Millburn, 58, who has worked with Sister Ostle for 10 years, said: “It’s really sad to see her go. The wards won’t be the same without her.

“She’s been a great friend to all of the staff here and has always helped the younger nurses if they’ve had any problems.”

Colleague Jennifer Johnson, 55, added: “Chris has been our rock. We will all miss her so much.”

Hospital chaplain The Rev Ken Wright said: “She is the best sister that this hospital has had and without Chris the staff would have been miserable.

“She has carried out decisions professionally and has offered staff a shoulder to cry on when they have felt undervalued.

“We respect, admire and love her. She is a true friend and will be sorely missed.”

Chris started her career in 1968 as a sister at Workington Infirmary and moved to the new hospital in 2005.

During her career, she has worked in a variety of departments, including the Ellerbeck ward, the rehab ward and outpatient department.

Sister Ostle said: “I feel very privileged that I can look back on my 40 years of service and smile.

“I am really touched that so many people have come to say goodbye and I am sad to leave but I have confidence that my position will be in safe hands.”