A QUEEN'S nurse has retired after embarking on her career within healthcare 41 years ago.

Tracey Hayes began volunteering in the care profession at St Ann's Hospice, Little Hulton, in 1978, when she was just 14.

The mother-of-two has taken early retirement from her role as a district nurse, community practice teacher, with Bolton NHS Foundation Trust.

Mrs Hayes, from Walkden, officially retired on October 27 — her 55th birthday.

She said: "I have numerous highlights, including meeting all the patients, relatives and staff. Another was becoming a practice teacher and helping to develop the next generation of district nurses and watching them flourish.”

In 1987, Mrs Hayes began her nurse training at Bury General Hospital, after which she worked in the A&E department for 13 years. She and husband Ian also had children Matthew and Rebecca during this time.

Daughter Rebecca said: "I’ve always thought my mum was suited to nursing. She is such a selfless, caring and loving person. Nursing is where she found her passion.

"She has helped people when they have been at the lowest point in their lives and she manages to make them smile. She really does have a big heart. I’m really proud of my mum’s journey and how far she has gone."

In 2000, Mrs Hayes applied to Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, where she has worked ever since, predominantly in the Little Lever area. Her "outstanding patient care and commitment to nursing" was recognised with a Queen's Nurse title in 2014.

This was followed up by a nomination for a 'Compassion in Care' award by her district nurses team for "always going above and beyond for patients and their families" and for being a "respected pillar of Little Lever". She won runner-up for the Integrated Community Services 2019 Divisional Award.

She said: "I have witnessed so many changes during my time with the NHS, including the improving standards of patient care, introduction of technology into nursing, integration with other specialist teams, and more choice being given to patients to be nursed at home for end of life care."

During retirement, Mrs Hayes is looking forward to spending more time walking with her husband, holidaying in Wales and continuing to provide care at a hospice.