Wakefield nurse retires after 43 years

Staff and service users from the South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust gathered at a special retirement party today to pay tribute to the tremendous service of a Wakefield nurse.

Eileen Lanteri has dedicated the past 43 years to caring for people with mental health problems in Wakefield. She started out at the now closed Stanley Royd Hospital in 1962 before working at the Sycamores Community Unit for the Elderly in Ossett.

The party was held at the Sycamores unit, which cares for older people with dementia. Staff and service users all came together to celebrate Eileen’s retirement and say their goodbyes.

‘I have enjoyed many parts of my job – I liked working in a large hospital environment and nursing the elderly and sick. I’ve liked having the companionship of 100’s of dedicated, lovely nurses – it’s been a pleasure not a toil to come to work. I know I’m going to miss my job – it’s been my life for so very long,’ said Eileen.

Eileen already has lots of plans for her retirement, ‘I’m going to re-decorate the whole house, knock my garden into shape and I’ll be looking after my grandchildren. I’m planning trips and a cruise for next year and don’t forget my bingo!’ she added.