THEY started their training at The Royal Bolton Hospital, and now having clocked up 100 years of service these three nurses are going to missed as they checked out to enjoy their retirement.

The trio are long serving members of Bolton NHS Foundation Trust who recently retired from the "most incredible place to work".

Christine Hood, Respiratory Nurse Specialist in Thoracic Medicine is retiring after 47 years at the Trust.

Christine always wanted to be a nurse and often practised on her teddies and dolls when she was a little girl. She started her nurse training here at Bolton and has spent much of her career working on D3 and D4 and in the Thoracic Medicine Department.

Christine Hood

Christine Hood

Christine said: “I’ve had very happy times working at the hospital and have often said I would come to work for nothing.

“I’ve made dear friends who I will be keeping in touch and worked with amazing teams. I’m really going to miss everyone, and our patients, who become part of us and our lives.

“Lockdown permitting, I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family and grandchildren, travelling and enjoying our holiday home by the sea.”

Marie Digner,

Marie Digner,

Marie Digner, deputy director of divisional operations for the diagnostic and support services division, retired after working at Bolton for almost 37 years.

Having trained as a nurse at the hospital in 1984, Marie worked on C1 Ward before becoming a Junior Sister and then a Sister.

She completed a Bachelors and Masters at the University of Central Lancashire and then became a Matron after which she moved into a more operational role.

Marie Digner,

Marie Digner,

Marie was the founding member of the Pre-op Association as well as being the chairperson, and worked for a number of years as the Clinical Services Manager for Pre-op and Outpatients, after which she became an Operational Business Manager and more recently, deputy divisional director.

Marie said: “This is the most incredible place to work. I’ve had a very long and happy career here – the people are just so friendly.

“Everyone has been so supportive over the years. Why would I have wanted to work anywhere else?

“I’m very sad to be leaving my fantastic colleagues but I’m looking forward to my retirement and exciting times ahead.”

Emma Battle

Emma Battle

Emma Battle, Sister on Critical Care, started her nurse training here at Bolton 36 years ago and has worked and managed the Intensive Care / Critical Care Unit for more than 20 years.

She has been a vital member of the team and her experience to lead has been integral to Critical Care during this pandemic.

The team say are honoured to have been led by Sister Battle and her dedication to nursing.