A nurse who helped a Hartlepool cancer team win multiple awards has retired after more than three decades in the NHS.
Rosie Livingston, the deputy matron in the chemotherapy unit at the University Hospital of Hartlepool, has been a nurse in the town for 33 years.
Over that time, Rosie has helped care for many thousands of patients needing cancer treatment.
It is something the local community always recognised – with the service having won five Best of Health Awards from the Hartlepool Mail.
Rosie said: “It has been an honour to help look after so many brave and courageous patients in this unit and to be a part of their lives.
“The changes we have seen over the years have been huge. When I first worked here in year 2000, we were a unit of two consultants and two nurses – now we have a much larger team.
“Because of advances in healthcare, we have more treatments and people are living longer and having better outcomes.
“I know the dedication the whole team has given is appreciated by patients. I remember when the Hartlepool Mail had their awards, we would be told the judges would be crying as they read through the nominations the people of Hartlepool made for this unit.
“We have also always been so thankful for the many many people who have raised funds for the unit, too many to mention. The team is always touched by the gratitude patients and their loved ones have shown to us.”