Midwife at Warwick Hospital set to retire after 42-year career in the NHS

A midwife at Warwick Hospital will be retiring after a 42-year career in the NHS.

Of the 42 years Maria Tredgold has spent working for the NHS, 24 of which were at Warwick Hospital run by the South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust (SWFT), providing care to women and their families.

Maria started her nurse training in 1978 and qualified in 1982. Maria then undertook midwifery training between 1983-84 and spent her early midwifery career in Dorchester.

After working as a Midwifery Sister in Weymouth and Jersey, in 1996 Maria took on a post at Warwick Hospital as the Labour Ward Manager and four years later relinquished her role after having her daughter in 2000 but continued part time as the Labour Ward Coordinator, where she has remained ever since.

Commenting on her career in the NHS Maria said: “My time working in Midwifery has been an incredibly rewarding experience.

"I’ve worked through many changes in practice and worked with some wonderful colleagues and met some amazing women and families.

"I’ve always loved coming to work, even though the job is demanding, I’m always so happy to be here. I’m really proud to work for the NHS, especially in recent months when it has been so challenging for all key workers.

"Despite the difficulties, we’ve worked together as a team and supported each other through some tough times.

"This team spirit is just one of the many reasons I have loved working at Warwick Hospital.

"You really feel like you are part of a family here, everyone is valued and we all have an important role to play.

"A career in the NHS can give you so many opportunities to learn, develop, meet new people and give back.

“I will miss all the wonderful people I have worked with but hope to continue to keep in touch with my many friends and retain many good memories of a fabulous career.”

SWFT CEO, Glen Burley said: “Working in the NHS for 42 years is a fantastic achievement which is very worthy of recognition.

"Maria’s dedicated and caring attitude is core to the Trust’s values and her attendance record throughout her NHS career has been exemplary.

"She will be truly missed, but I wish her all the best for a well-deserved long and happy retirement.”