'Inspirational' nurse volunteers after 50-year career

A nurse who gave nearly 50 years of her life to front-line care and training up students has returned as a volunteer after her retirement.

Sue Twose, 70, started her training in 1974 and went on to work as a nurse and midwife at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, Somerset.

After 30 years skilling up the next generation of nurses at the University of Plymouth, Twose retired last year, but she continues to support aspiring nurses in a voluntary capacity.

The Somerset NHS Foundation Trust (SFT) and her former students have described her as "very well-known and respected figure", and an "inspiration" for her dedication to supporting others.

Twose also travelled to South Africa where she ended up volunteering in a HIV clinic 15 times over the years.

She has tried to retire multiple times in recent years, only to be convinced to come back to work.

Her volunteer role was created in 2022 where she meets groups of student nurses as part of a placement programme.

Reflecting on her career, Twose said: "Nursing has been a privilege. If I hadn't been a nurse, I never would have done all the things I have.

"It's been a privilege to train as many nurses as I have and I'm especially proud to see them climb up the ladder in the trust.

Sandra Webb, head of future workforce at SFT, who is also a former student of Twose's, thanked her for her "far-reaching impact on healthcare in Somerset".

"She has taught and influenced many of our current nursing colleagues and remains a highly regarded presence in the profession and our organisation."

Webb said the trust was "incredibly fortunate" that Twose could continue inspiring nurses through her volunteer role.

One of her former students, Suzanne Donaghue, said: "I was almost 50 when I started training and am still working in theatre recovery today. Sue was an amazing teacher, organiser and encourager."

Sarah Hodge, another nurse taught by Twose, said: "Sue is an inspiration to so many people for her dedication and support."

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