A SENIOR nurse who has dedicated more than half her life to caring for others has retired for a well-earned rest.

Jane Mooney, 65, celebrated with her family and colleagues at a special farewell lunch at Inverclyde Royal after a career in nursing spanning 47 years.

She says she is looking forward to a new chapter in her life and to spending more time with her three-year-old granddaughter Cara.

Jane said: “I’m looking forward to my retirement. I’ve had a few health issues along the way and I want to make the most of my retirement.

“I will miss my colleagues though. They’re a great bunch.”

Jane started her training in 1970 with Greenock and District Hospitals and as part of her training she had to visit all the hospitals in Greenock at that time.

They included the eye infirmary, ear, nose and throat (ENT) hospital, Larkfield Hospital, the Duncan McPherson Hospital in Gourock, Broadstone in Port Glasgow and another in Bridge of Weir.

Jane, who lives in Greenock, said: “I worked in the theatre in the eye infirmary and at the ENT hospital at Margaret Street.”

She then spent 35 years as a theatre nurse and latterly served in the outpatient department.

Jane said: “Although my heart will always be in theatre nursing, I have enjoyed my time at the outpatients department.

“It is often a patient’s first experience of the hospital and our role is to give patients a comfortable and positive experience, wherever possible.

“It’s a great department and the staff do a lot of work that goes unrecognised.”

Jane also cherished her mentoring role in the unit and passing on her expertise to younger colleagues.

She said: “I have been mentoring students, which was a joy, being able to pass on my experience and knowledge.”

Jane says she’s witnessed a lot of changes over the years.

She told the Tele: “I think things have improved in some areas but old values have been lost along the way.

“The revalidation programme — which is a maintenance programme — has been good in making sure that nurses skills are kept up to date.”

Her sister Liz Mitchell, 46, who works for the community alarm service, son Philip, 29, his fiancee Vicki, 31, and their daughter Cara came along to the hospital to help her bid farewell.

Jane is now busy gearing up for Philip’s engagement party at the end of the month and his wedding next year but she will also continue in the caring profession — by doing voluntary work.

She said: “I’ll be looking to work with the Samaritans or for Childline and I’ll be helping to look after Cara.”

Councillor Jim MacLeod, who knows Jane’s sister Liz, said: “It is great to see Jane getting this recognition.

"There are not many people who can say they have worked in the one job for 47 years. I would like to wish her a very happy retirement.”