Western Trust celebrates two safeguarding nursing icons retiring after 77 years of service

Colleagues, family and friends paid tribute to two incredible safeguarding children’s nurses who retired recently after a combined 77 years of service to children, young people and their families across the Western Trust area.

Adrienne Smyth, Named Nurse for Safeguarding Children, retired after 38 years’ service in the Western Health and Social Care Trust.

At a tea party with friends, family and colleagues, Head of Service, Hilary Campbell, paid tribute to Adrienne who started her nursing career in March 1987, became a Specialist Community Public Health Nurse in 1994, later undertaking the role of Safeguarding Children Nurse Specialist until undertaking her final role in 2018 as Named Nurse for Safeguarding Children, working as an advocate for children, young people and their families. Adrienne’s contributions have been invaluable.

Friends, family and colleagues also bid a fond farewell to Christine Diamond, Safeguarding Children Nurse Specialist, following 39 years of service.

Jenny Coulter, Named Nurse for Safeguarding Children, paid tribute to Christine,  who’s career began in September 1986.

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Christine worked within school nursing for 14 years and has also been an integral part of the Safeguarding Children Nurse Specialist team over the last 10 years since 2015. Christine’s input to safeguarding children and young people has also been invaluable and we wish Christine a healthy happy and long retirement.   

A spokesperson for the Western Trust said: "Adrienne and Christine, you are both truly missed by your team and colleagues in Western Health and Social Care Trust.

Christines retirement.

"We wish Adrienne and Christine a very healthy, happy and long retirement.

"Thank you Adrienne and Christine for being our #WTHeroes."