Popular psychiatric nurse retires after 36 years service in Kirklees

Staff from the South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust got together to celebrate the retirement of a popular member of staff – community mental health team leader Mike Lee. The party was held at the Priestley Unit, Dewsbury and District hospital, where Mike has worked since it opened in 1989.

55 year old Mike, who now lives in Huddersfield, first came to England from his native Malaysia in 1971 and began his NHS career at Storthes Hall Hospital. It was here Mike completed his registered mental health nurse training before moving to the Priestley Unit, Dewsbury.

Mike has dedicated the last decade the last decade to developing mental health services for the South Asian community in the Dewsbury area. He set up a specialist transcultural team made up of nurses and translators to respond to the needs of for older people with mental health problems from this community.

Mike and his specialist team have picked up numerous awards over the years for their innovative work. Mike also completed an Honours Degree as a Specialist Practitioner for Black & Minority Ethnic Groups.

Speaking about his career Mike said, "I’ve enjoyed developing a transcultural mental health service for people from black, minority and ethnic backgrounds in North Kirklees and also bringing about changes in our vision and approach to people from these communities."

Mike has lots of plans for his retirement and he will work on mental health project about aging and ethnicity in Leeds. He says, "Having worked since 1971 I am going to take a good rest! I’m also going to continue to promote my art work, and continue to coach my martial arts team."

His manager Ben Boyd said, "Mike will be sorely missed both in North Kirklees and across the South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust. We wish him every success and hope he enjoys a well earned rest!"