Congratulations go to senior charge nurse Fiona Young who retired from NHS Lanarkshire in June after a remarkable 42 years service.

Fiona, who was based within ward two at Wishaw General Hospital, started her career in 1975 when she became a pupil nurse at Hartwood Hospital. She qualified as an enrolled nurse in 1977 and worked in Hartwood and Hartwoodhill Hospitals in both the wards and recreation department.

In 1998 Fiona undertook a conversion course, qualifying as a staff nurse in 1999. In 2001 she was promoted to charge nurse at Udston Hospital, Hamilton. Fiona spent a period as acting senior charge nurse at Coathill Hospital before returning to Udston Hospital in 2003 as senior charge nurse in the Brandon ward. In 2016 Fiona moved to ward two at Wishaw General Hospital where she remained until her retirement.

Fiona lives in Larkhall. In her spare time she enjoys travelling, especially cruises. She is a dog lover especially West Highland terriers. As a parting gift, staff commissioned a portrait of one of her dogs as a keepsake to mark her retirement. Upon her retirement, Fiona is looking forward to seeing more of the world and spending time with family and friends.

Jennifer Russell, service manager, said: “Fiona has been a stalwart within nursing in mental health in Lanarkshire for a long time and her experience and commitment will be sorely missed. We all wish her well in her well deserved retirement.”