Wisbech’s North Cambridgeshire Hospital nurse Sandra Hopkin recognised for 50 years of service

A long-serving nurse says she was touched when she was celebrated for her 50 years of nursing experience in Wisbech.

In a gathering within the hospital’s Outpatient Department today, colleagues looked on with pride as Trust CEO Alice Webster presented Sandra Hopkin with a vibrant bouquet and an elegant glass paperweight to mark her golden anniversary of nursing.

This heartfelt moment served as a tribute to Sandra’s unwavering commitment to patient care and her countless contributions to the North Cambridgeshire Hospital (NCH) family.

Sandra began her nursing journey in 1974 and has devoted her entire professional life to NCH at Wisbech, caring for countless patients with compassion that has touched generations.

Reflecting on her long career, Sandra said: “I started here when I was 16 and did my training at the old school of nursing at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Lynn.”

The celebration was one of two big events for Sandra.

Just a few days prior she attended the Trust's bi-monthly long service celebration event in King’s Lynn, during which Alice formally presented her with her 50-year Long Service Award.

She was among 33 colleagues who collectively celebrated an astonishing 645 years of service to the NHS.

Alice expressed her admiration for Sandra’s remarkable career. She said: “We are incredibly grateful for Sandra’s dedication and the many years she has spent caring for the people of Wisbech and beyond.

“To have served 50 years in the NHS, all at NCH, is an extraordinary achievement and a true testament to her caring nature.”

With tears of joy in her eyes, Sandra expressed her gratitude and said, “I’m not usually speechless but today I am. I am so honoured to have had the privilege to work with so many lovely doctors and nurses.”