Chinwag

Staff news

Amazing Irene! Well done to nurse Irene Budd who has worked at The Christie for nearly 40 years and has now received a top national care award. Irene won the Kate Granger Award for Compassionate Care in the 1970-79 category in September. Irene, 80, has been at The Christie since 1979 and was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to nursing in 2014. She said: “I’m overwhelmed to be honest. I don’t think it has really sunk in. I feel very proud to have won this prestigious award for the whole hospital. I think nursing is in my blood. The Christie is such an inspiring place to work and I still enjoy it a great deal.” Irene began working on ward 1 at The Christie in 1979, which was then a radiotherapy ward. After 21 years she retired in 2000 but quickly came back part-time and still works at The Christie every Friday in the integrated procedures unit. Irene lives with husband Wilfrid and has three daughters, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Irene, who is treasurer of a local history society, has a busy social life, seeing friends, eating out

Irene has been at The Christie since 1979

and spending time with her husband going for walks with their two dogs. Jackie Bird, Chief Nurse and Executive Director of Quality, said: “We are thrilled that Irene has been recognised with a Kate Granger award. It is testament to the care and compassion she has shown during so many years working here at The Christie. Irene has dedicated her life to the profession and is a true credit to nursing.”

Prestigious award for Noel Urological cancer surgeon Professor Noel Clarke has been awarded the prestigious St Peter’s Medal by the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS). It recognises his sustained contributions to the advancement of urology.

Farewell to Dr Ernest Allan We will be saying farewell to

Dr Ernest Allan this December when he retires

The St Peter’s medal is the highest honour that the national association can give. It is awarded annually and it is the first time in 48 years that it has been awarded to a urologist in the north west. Professor Clarke has been a consultant urological surgeon at Salford Royal and The Christie since 1993 and has an international reputation for his expertise in the treatment of bladder, prostate, renal and testis cancer and in the management of complex pelvic and retroperitoneal tumours.

following more than 40 years at The Christie. Amongst his achievements,

Dr Allan developed the techniques of photodynamic therapy, the non surgical treatment of non melanoma skin cancer. Everyone at The Christie wishes him a happy retirement.

Professor Clarke receiving his medal from Mr Kieran O’Flynn, BAUS President

4