‘Sue was strong for us when we couldn’t be’: Nurse retires after 35 years at city hospice

‘INSPIRATION’: Sue Fisher, left, with colleague Katie at her retirement celebration

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

One of the longest-serving nurses at Dove House Hospice has retired after 35 years supporting patients and families through some of the most difficult times of their lives.

Sue Fisher has cared for tens of thousands of people at the Chamberlain Road hospice and helped shape hospice care in the community.

A bereaved relative of a man who was in Sue’s care said: “We will never forget the support Sue gave to us as Dad was coming to the end of his life. She held our hand and was strong for us when we couldn't be.”

Sue joined Dove House in September 1991, alongside colleagues Jo Gillespie and Elaine Longley, making them the hospice’s three longest serving nurses.

Just months after joining, Sue was present when Princess Diana officially opened the hospice’s Inpatient Unit on Chamberlain Road in 1992.

She was promoted early in her career and became a Senior Sister in 2004, a role she held while remaining firmly committed to hands-on patient care and leading by example.

The hospice said: “Throughout her time at Dove House, Sue became a familiar and reassuring face for many. Whether supporting patients and families on the Inpatient Unit, representing the hospice in media campaigns, fundraising at events such as Night Walk and Strictly Learn to Dance, or helping to challenge misconceptions about hospice care, she has played a key role in helping generations of local people understand and access specialist palliative care.”

Dove House CEO Chris Sadler said: “Sue's journey of 35 years in specialist palliative care is truly outstanding. She has played a vital role in supporting patients and their loved ones, while inspiring generations of hospice nurses and healthcare professionals.

“Tens of thousands of patients have benefited from her care, compassion and unwavering dedication.

‘DOVE HOUSE HAS BEEN MY LIFE’: Sue Fisher

“Even during the most challenging times, including the Covid 19 pandemic, Sue always put patients and their families first. She has lived and breathed the hospice’s values throughout her career and has been an inspiration to everyone fortunate enough to work alongside her.”

Helen Hudson, director of clinical services, said: “I have had the pleasure of working with Sue for the past two years. She has an incredible ability to read a room and respond in a way that is both deeply personal and genuinely caring.

“Throughout my career, I have worked with many senior nurses and leaders, but what sets Sue apart is that she is one of the most responsive and compassionate nurses I have ever had the privilege to work alongside. She doesn’t respond simply because it is her job; she responds because she truly cares.

“Her patients have always been at the heart of everything she does, and that shines through in every interaction. The hospice just won't be the same without her. Sue’s dedication, kindness and unwavering commitment will be greatly missed by colleagues, patients and families alike.”

Jo Gillespie, Senior Sister at Dove House, said: “Joining the hospice on the very same day as Sue, we have become such close friends. It has been a pleasure to work alongside her. She is an inspiration and I am incredibly proud of everything we have achieved together over the years.

“There have been ups and downs, but we always faced every challenge knowing how vital the work we do in our community is. All I can say about Sue is that I have never met anyone so lovely and kind. She has supported me throughout my career and I can't thank her enough.”

Staff, former colleagues and friends gathered at a special celebration to mark Sue's retirement and recognise her extraordinary contribution to Dove House and the local community.

Speaking at the event, Sue said: “It has been the best time of my life working at Dove House. We are a team and not everywhere has that. We all know why we are here; we are here for our patients. We want the best for them, and I know that will continue long after I have retired because everyone here is amazing.

“Dove House has been my life. It is the first thing I think of in the morning and the last thing I think of when I go to sleep. I am incredibly proud to have worked at the hospice.”