An award-winning matron has retired after 50 years’ service with the NHS.

Mychelle Ward was the first matron for sexual health at Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust in 2016, a position she held up to retirement.

In recent years she has also worked at care homes, in different departments, and in primary care.

Mychelle was also presented with a DAISY Award, a prestigious accolade for nurses and midwives who show exceptional care and go above and beyond for their patients.

“It has been such a privilege to work in the trust and this team,” she said. “I’m a local person, so why would I want to work anywhere else when this is on my doorstep? I can’t express how pleased I have been to be a part of this service.

“I have enjoyed working with so many different people and networking across the trust. I’ve supported staff within and outside my area and enjoyed being a part of so many trust projects.

“We’ve had many ups and downs and it’s been difficult at times, but we’ve always come through it as that’s just the team we are. Thank you so much to everyone, I wish them all the success.”

Mychelle’s career in the NHS began in the 1970s when she was aged 19, working on the wards at Nottingham General Hospital.

She became a registered nurse in the 1980s, when she began working at Mansfield General Hospital before relocating to King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton, in 1986.

A constant figure in the trust’s sexual health services, Mychelle was at the forefront of early HIV care, something she describes as a career highlight.

The trust’s chief nurse, Phil Bolton, said: “We are very sad to see Mychelle go. She has been an integral part of shaping our sexual health services into what they are today.

“She has shown the utmost care, empathy, and professionalism to all the patients she has cared for and acted as a mentor to so many colleagues here.

“Presenting her with a DAISY Award was just one token of appreciation we could show.

“I know I speak for everyone here at the trust when I say she will be dearly missed.”