News / Nursing
Bristol nurse celebrates 40 years as a ward sister
A nurse at the Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI) has marked 40 years in the same position this Thursday.
Chris Oram became a qualified nurse in 1979, when she worked at the Bristol General Hospital.
After working her way up to the role of ward sister, Chris was transferred to the BRI in 1985.
is needed now More than ever
There, she ran the stroke unit for 22 years.
Chris celebrated the anniversary with her coworkers and friends – photo: UHBW Trust
“The role has changed hugely since I started,” said Chris.
“It used to be purely clinical and now we are more closely involved in the management side.
“But I still get to be on the ward, staying clinical is very important to me.”
The ward is no longer the stroke unit and has instead transferred to general medicine, but Chris has remained dedicated to her position.
“Supporting people has always been an important part of the role, and that’s never changed,” she said.
The team at the BRI held a surprise celebration for Chris, decorating the staff cafe with pictures spanning her 40-year career.
The staff cafe at the BRI was decorated to mark Chris’ achievement – photo: UHBW Trust
Angela Bezer, director of nursing for Medicine for University Hospitals Bristol and Weston, said: “For Chris to have completed 40 years as a ward sister and still be going with no hint of retirement is both inspirational and remarkable.
“Chris is kind and compassionate to both her patients and her team, who have shown real loyalty to her, some working with her for nearly 20 plus years.”
Chris is showing no signs of stopping any time soon, and says it’s the relationships with others that drive her forward.
“There have been so many good days. What keeps you going is the people.
“A lot has changed in nursing over the past 40 years, but caring for people never changes.”
All photos: UHBW Trust
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