Elaine Papps Specialist Children’s Diabetic Nurse has retired after 37 years of nursing local children.
After qualifying as a nurse at Great Ormond Street Hospital in 1977 Elaine joined the Children’s Friston ward at Eastbourne DGH as a staff nurse later moving to St Helen’s Hospital in Hastings in 1979 to become a Junior Sister. After a break to raise her two children she returned in 1986 to night duties on Friston Ward until 2005 when she was promoted to Senior Sister. She became interested in diabetes and completed further training to become the paediatric diabetes lead nurse, a role she remained in until her retirement.
Dr Stephanie Gill, Consultant Paediatrician said: “Elaine has been a part of the Friston ward family for many years. She will be greatly missed by everyone and especially by the children she has nursed. From all of us at the hospital we wish her a happy retirement pursuing her hobbies, spending more time with your much loved grandchildren and wish her well in her plans to be a volunteer to visit elderly people at home to give them companionship.”
Elaine Papps said: “Working as a children’s nurse in the NHS I have worked with an amazing team of staff, dedicated, hardworking, friendly and fun. I have particular enjoyed the last 10 years of my career working with children with Type 1 diabetes where I have come into contact with many lovely families and children.”