The Island’s Chief Nurse and Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Therapies at Noble’s Hospital – Bev Critchlow – is to leave her post on 30 September 2014.
Commenting on her decision, Bev said:
'It is with mixed emotions that today I am announcing my intention to leave my position. I would like to pay tribute to the committed and hardworking nurses, midwives and therapists who provide high quality care at Noble’s Hospital, day in and day out. I’d also like to thank the DHSC staff for their support during my time working for the Department. I have met some wonderful patients and their families at Noble’s and I will miss them also.
'I remain as passionate and committed to nursing and patient care as I did the first day I commenced my nurse training in Merseyside. However, many people will know that it has been a very difficult year for me personally, after the sudden loss of my partner Richard. When things like this happen, it causes you to reflect and think about your life in a very different way. I now believe that it is the right time for me to look forward to new and fresh challenges. I will be taking advantage of a number of new opportunities, both within nursing and outside of the nursing profession. I look forward to these very much.
'I began my nurse training in 1981 and have been a registered nurse for some 33 years. I spent some time as a senior nurse in the North West of England before moving to the Isle of Man in 2000 and I am especially proud to have spent 14 years on the Island as Chief Nurse.
'It will be difficult for me to leave my many friends and close colleagues; however I depart the role with very many happy memories. I wish everyone well for the future and the many opportunities and challenges they face in maintaining and developing health and social care services for the Island.'
Mark Charters, recently appointed Chief Executive of the Department, added:
'Whilst I have only recently met Bev, I would like to thank her for her services to Noble’s Hospital and to nursing and midwifery on the Island during the last 14 years. We wish her every happiness for the future.'
As a consequence of Bev’s decision, the future of leadership for Nursing, Midwifery and Therapies at Noble’s Hospital and the role of Chief Nurse for the Isle of Man will be considered following consultation with the new Managing Director for Acute Care Michaela Morris, whose appointment was announced last week.
