Barnsley Macmillan Nurse calls time on career

A Macmillan nurse is retiring after a career spanning four decades.

Anne Luscombe,62, began nursing in 1971; she has spent the last twenty years supporting people living with cancer.

Anne, who lives in Rotherham, is retiring from her role as Macmillan Community Specialist Palliative Care Nurse based at the Birdwell Clinic in Barnsley, a post she has had for the past nine years. She said:

“ These past nine years have been the happiest of my career; being a Macmillan Nurse was a role I was honoured to have.

“I’ve been privileged in being able to support patients and families through what is probably the most frightening and challenging time of their lives.

“ I have worked with a fantastic team at the Birdwell Clinic in Barnsley, we’re all working towards the same aim together; delivering the best for our patients and their families.”

The South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust community palliative care team at the Birdwell Clinic have supported around 900 patients this year providing practical and emotional support for patients and families.

Anne’s career has taken her all over South Yorkshire having previously worked in Sheffield and Rotherham, ending her career in Barnsley.

Anne adds: “Over the years, I’ve seen a shift in end of life care from being almost a taboo subject to something people feel more able to talk about – I think Macmillan has played a part in this.”

Lisa Spivey, Macmillan Partnership Quality Lead, said:

“I recently spoke to a lady who was supported by Anne, following the death of her husband, she talked about how Anne treated her with such compassion and kindness.

“Anne has been an inspiration throughout her career and encompasses all the qualities that Macmillan ask for in a professional.”