Friends, family and colleagues bid a farewell to Jacqueline Graham who retired from NHS Lanarkshire in March after 26 years service.

The staff nurse, who was based in the Calder Unit at Udston Hospital, trained as a pupil nurse in 1975 before working in Belvidere Hospital as an enrolled nurse.

After having her family, Jacqueline worked in a nursing home to allow her to spend more time with her children.

In 1988 Jacqueline secured employment with the Hamilton Community Evening Nursing Service where she remained for four years.

In 1992 Jacqueline completed a conversion course to become a registered general nurse and, after qualifying, became a community staff nurse at Blantyre Health Centre.

She thereafter moved to Burnbank Medical Centre and, in 2006, moved to the Calder Unit at Udston Hospital where she remained until her retirement.

Jacqueline lives in Motherwell with her husband.  In her spare time she enjoys walking, puzzles, eating out and spending time with her three grandchildren and friends.

Colleague Moira Thornton said: “Jackie has worked as a community staff nurse in Hamilton team two district nurses since 2006 and has worked hard and diligently as a member of the district nursing team.  She is a valued member of the team and her skills and knowledge in the role of community staff nurse has benefited the team and patients over the years.  She has always shown care and compassion to her patients and has been an exemplary mentor to new staff members and students.  It has always been a pleasure to work with Jackie.  She will be missed by both staff and patients in the Hamilton locality.  Although we are sad to see Jackie go, we wish her a happy and successful retirement”.