A dedicated and experienced midwife will retire from The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) at the end o f March after clocking up an astonishing 46 years’ service.
Andrea Brewis, bereavement review team lead, began her general nurse training at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Epping in 1976, aged 18 years old.
Initially, Andrea trained as a registered nurse, before undergoing further training in 1980 to qualify as a registered midwife, formally known as a state certified midwife.
Throughout her time at PAHT, Andrea has progressed her career by seeking new job opportunities, including working as a ward sister, community midwife, practice nurse, family planning nurse, ward manager, bereavement advisor and more recently, a county wide bereavement review lead, a post that she has held for eight years.
Reflecting on her long service, Andrea said: “I have been involved in several projects to enhance patient care and experiences. There are many stand-out moments whilst working at PAHT, but it was fantastic to have worked abroad and presented at international conferences in relation to bereavement care.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed all of my various nursing and midwifery roles and I would say that my career has been amazing. I feel that I have experienced the very best that my career could offer – I have worked alongside some inspirational colleagues and have been involved in delivering the very best that the NHS offers to families.
“I will really miss my colleagues as we are a very small team and also all those allied health professionals that I have had the privilege to work alongside.
“My current role can be challenging at times, but I am extremely proud of the work that we do to support bereaved families.
“I’m looking forward to my retirement, spending time with my family, and exploring new ventures that lie ahead.”
Giuseppe Labriola, director of midwifery, gynaecology and assistant chief nurse at PAHT, said: “Andrea has been tremendous in the development of the bereavement review team across Essex which has been recognised as a beacon of good practice locally and nationally. This is due to Andrea’s passion, experience and drive to improve services for our local communities.
“Andrea is extremely knowledgeable, well regarded nationally and is such an asset to the organisation. Andrea is going to be such a loss to the service and will be very much missed.
“It has been incredible working with Andrea and listening to her career stories working at PAHT. Her dedication to maternity services, bereavement services is palpable.
“Andrea – I wish you all the best in your retirement and thank you for your exceptional hard work. Enjoy the next chapter.”