"I will carry on for as long as I can" - Ann Corbett celebrates 50 years of service

Half a century of outstanding service was recognised in a celebration for Macmillan Palliative Care Nurse Ann Corbett.

Ann recently passed 50 years working for University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust and its predecessor.

“A friend of mine did nursing and told me what a great career it was and that’s why I decided to do it,” said Ann, who still works two days a week.

“It’s changed so much over the years, I liked the hats that we used to have to wear! But I’ve never regretted it, not for a single day.”

Ann completed her Enrolled Nurse Training between 1975 and 1977 before starting on the Oncology unit. In 1990, she transitioned to Gynaecology to work night shifts so she could care for her children.

She returned to Oncology in 2000 as an 'E' Grade Staff Nurse after completing her Enrolled Nurse Conversion course and in 2007 joined the Palliative Care Team, where she played a significant role in the implementation of the Supportive Care Pathway.

Ann has led the National Transformation of End-of-Life Care Programme, introducing the Trust to AMBER Care, RAPID discharges and iPlan.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Ann demonstrated immense compassion by supporting end-of-life care, ensuring dignity for patients and enabling family connection in challenging circumstances.

“I have worked with some lovely people over the years that have made a difference to my nursing,” added Ann.

“Knowing you are doing a good job is really important to me; when people tell you how grateful they are for what you’ve done it makes the world of difference. I absolutely love what I do and will carry on for as long as I can.”

Trust board members paid Ann a visit to thank her for her service and make a special presentation.

Chief People Officer Donna Griffiths said: “It was a special moment to join Ann in marking this amazing achievement.

“We are very proud of our compassionate and dedicated workforce and there is no greater example of the wonderful care they provide than Ann.”

Outside of work, Ann is a champion dog breeder and has travelled the world to judge at shows. Alongside her late daughter, Sarah, she was a winner with Luna, an English Springer Spaniel, at Crufts in 2023.

She also beat off thousands of competitors this year to pick up the Top Exhibitor prize at The Pawscars, an annual awards raising funds for both canine and children's charities.