A QUEEN’S Nurse who began her career in the NHS in Bury has retired after 41 years in healthcare.

In 1978, aged just 14, Tracey Hayes began volunteering at St Ann’s Hospice, Little Hulton, where she took her first job.

Her formal training to become a nurse began at Bury General Hospital in 1987. She stayed on to work in the A&E department for the following 13 years.

The last 19 years of her career has been spent with Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, working predominantly in Little Lever as a district nurse, community practice teacher. 

The mother-of-two was praised by colleagues and her daughter Rebecca for her "selfless, caring and loving" attitude.

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. I’m really proud of my mum’s journey and how far she has gone.”

Her “outstanding patient care and commitment to nursing” was recognised with a Queen’s Nurse title in 2014.

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 helping to develop the next generation of district nurses and watching them flourish.”

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