Huddersfield nurse retires after 31 years

Staff from the South West Yorkshire Mental Health NHS Trust gathered at a special retirement party at St Luke’s hospital to say their farewells to nurse Patrick Darkwa.

Patrick –- has dedicated over 30 years to nursing and helping to develop services for people with mental health problems in Huddersfield, particularly for people from BME (black minority ethnic) communities.

During his 31 year career Patrick has worked as a charge nurse on elderly and rehabilitation wards, as a court diversion nurse, crisis intervention nurse and was nursing officer in charge of community psychiatric services.

As part of his last role for SWYMHT Patrick worked at an assessment clinic for asylum seekers and refugees with suspected mental health problems, managed nurses at Kirklees lifeline and set up a local diversity group for people with mental health problems, their carers and health professionals. Patrick shared his nursing expertise with many groups such as the Kirklees Asylum Support Service.

Patrick’s colleague Mike Young said, "Patrick was the first court diversion nurse in Huddersfield – he used to go the police cells every morning to see if any body held there had mental health problems. He’s dedicated most of his working life to the NHS in Huddersfield and is very well known, we wish him every success for the future."

Patrick said, "I’ve enjoyed every part of managing people and working with carers, patients and multi-disciplinary staff. I plan to spend my retirement relaxing and working as a freelance nurse."