Senior nurse leaves Scunthorpe hospice after 21 years of service

After making a difference for 21 years to the lives of thousands of people with life-limiting illnesses, senior Nurse Chris Dyer is retiring from Lindsey Lodge Hospice.
Senior Nurse Chris Dyer is retiring from Lindsey Lodge Hospice after 21 years service. EMN-160628-164732001Senior Nurse Chris Dyer is retiring from Lindsey Lodge Hospice after 21 years service. EMN-160628-164732001
Senior Nurse Chris Dyer is retiring from Lindsey Lodge Hospice after 21 years service. EMN-160628-164732001

Chris, from Epworth, led the day care nursing team and every day she felt truly humbled working at the hospice on Burringham Road in Scunthorpe.

She originally started at the hospice as a bank nurse before taking on a permanent post and then worked her way up to the senior position.

“It’s been part of my life for so many years and I’m going to dearly miss being so close to patients and working with my close-knit team on a daily basis,” said Chris, who has previously worked as a Marie Curie nurse and for Lincoln Health as a palliative care nurse in the community.

“We have such a fantastic team and we gel together so well.

“Nearly all of the team have been here for years and years because they enjoy their jobs so much.

“I’ve genuinely made so many good friends and to say goodbye 10 colleagues took me for a wonderful surprise weekend away to Harrogate.”

Chris has seen the hospice completely transform and expand over the years.

She said: “It’s changed beyond recognition and the hospice now makes an even bigger impact on people’s lives in North Lincolnshire.

“We currently take around 14 to 17 patients a day and when I first started it was around five patients a day.

“Also there are so many more specialist facilities, such as an in-patient unit, lymphoedema clinic, bereavement and family support service, and facilities for loved ones to stay over.

“I’ve absolutely loved my job. Every single day is different and I feel so lucky that patients share so many touching and personal stories with me that they’ve never shared with anyone before.

“It’s humbling and it put’s your life in perspective.”

Chris retires this Friday, July 1, and she’ll celebrate with a long-trip away with her husband.

She is also a keen gardener and will enjoy time at her allotment and with her family who live away.

She added: “I’m ready for a break; however I won’t be a stranger to the hospice as I’ll join the Isle of Axholme supporter group so I can pass on my first-hand knowledge and support to the public.”

For more information about the hospice visit www.lindseylodgehospice.org.uk