Wave goodbye to…

After three and a half decades, Ruth Francis, Midwife at City Hospital will be retiring.

Ruth began her training 35 years ago back in March 1987, and three years later qualified as a registered nurse.

Though qualified as a registered nurse, it was always Ruth’s intention to be a midwife.

“When I made the decision to enter the health service back in the late 80s, I always wanted to be a midwife,” said Ruth.

“Following qualification as a registered nurse, at the time there weren't many jobs available on the general wards, so it made perfect sense to go for a job on the neonatal unit which I successfully obtained.

“I thought it would be a good opportunity to get used to caring and handling babies. I worked on the neonatal unit for around three years, successfully obtaining the ENB 405 during my time there and I then left in 1993 to commence midwifery training at what was then known as Dudley Road Hospital”.

Ruth has been serving as a midwife for 27 years having officially qualified in 1995 and currently works as a night shift midwife on Ward M2 in our maternity department at City Hospital.

When speaking about her illustrious career, Ruth told us she feels privileged to do the work she has done for so long.

“It has been a real honour to caring for mothers and babies. I have worked alongside many excellent professionals at the Trust during my time who have been brilliant and skilled in their craft, including countless midwives who have taken real pride in the profession.”

She added: “I consider it a wonderful thing to be one of the first individuals to handle the miracle of a newborn baby and to be sharing in the joy that a new life can bring to a family. I encourage all my colleagues to care for each other; be sympathetic and unified. We are stronger when we are together.”

Midwife Janet Russell has worked alongside Ruth for many years and believes she will be missed in the maternity department.

She said: “I have known Ruth for many years: I remember Ruth when she was a student midwife. It has been a pleasure to work alongside Ruth as a colleague as she has a very

Harper Non-Executive Director