AN 'INSPIRATIONAL' nurse from Bolton-le-Sands is retiring after five decades in the nursing profession.

Janet Rigg started her career in 1968 at Lancaster's Beaumont Hospital where she trained and worked for 22 years.

When the hospital closed in 1990 she transferred to Queen Victoria Hospital in Morecambe and worked as a nurse on the ear, nose and throat and urology wards.

In 1994, she moved to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI) where she worked night duty on the surgical and medical wards.

She began working at the hospital's Oncology Unit in 2000, where she has cared for more than 60,000 patients who have received chemotherapy and associated treatments.

She was also pivotal in the opening of Westmorland General Hospital's Grizedale Unit in 2011 and has worked as clinical leader on the Oncology Units at the RLI and Westmorland General Hospital.

Janet, who is retiring to spend more time with her daughters and two grandchildren, said: “I will miss working very much, and mostly I will miss the camaraderie of the staff, and especially the patients who are always so grateful for all we do. I would like to thank colleagues Alison Scott and Courtney Spinks who have both been a great influence and support to me in my oncology career.

“I enjoy walking and spending time with family and friends, and will be able to enjoy longer holidays when I want to.

“I do feel very sad and think I could have worked a lot longer, however things have changed so much in the NHS I think it is time to take a back seat and let the younger ones continue their good work.”

Sue Procter, Sister and Unit Manager for Oncology, UHMBT, said: “Janet is an amazing, inspirational and truly wonderful nurse – all seeing, all knowing and definitely wise. Janet is an expert peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line placer and has always embraced new challenges with good humour and professionalism.

“Janet has also been key in the successful set up and continued management of the Grizedale unit at WGH and will I know be sadly missed by patients and colleagues alike.

“On a personal note Janet has always been extremely kind and supportive to me during my time on the unit offering much needed information and advice regarding all things oncology and chemotherapy related.”