Britain’s oldest nurse is still working…at the age of 84.
Daisy Richards qualified in 1958 when she was just 18 and has had a career in the care sector spanning nearly five decades.
At the time Harold Macmillan was PM, Wolverhampton Wanderers were first division champions.
Elizabeth II had only been on the throne six years and Elvis Presley was in the charts.
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The octogenarian said: “I have to say there are thousands of nurses in the same situation as me and doing this type of work.
“Every day I come to work I enjoy my work, you have to.”
Daisy works at Fairways Newydd Nursing and Dementia Care Home in Llanfairpwll on Anglesey, north Wales.
She ensures that dementia patients receive excellent care, as reported by What’s The Jam.
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And incredibly some of the patients she cares for are younger than her.
She said: “It is true I am looking after people younger than me and I enjoy it.
“Over the years nursing has evolved, it has had to, but some things remain the same and that includes how we look after people in care homes.
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“It is their home and we are there to help them and that means the care has to be excellent.”
Following her qualification and registration Daisy gained invaluable experience at Epsom District Hospital, where she worked on a medical ward.
In 1972 she moved to the isle of Anglesey and joined the then Bangor Hospital, further expanding her expertise.
She later transitioned to become a district nurse, including a role as a nurse/midwife.
From 1976 to 1989, Daisy took on the job of proprietor of Hafon and Argoed Nursing Home, where she cared for the elderly, before becoming manager at Fairways Newydd.
Her tenure lasted until 2011 during which time she exhibited exceptional leadership and commitment to maintaining high standards of care.
A decade later, Daisy’s journey turned full circle when she rejoined the team and returned to Fairways Newydd.
Now her incredible dedication to the care profession has seen her shortlisted for a prize in the Wales Care Awards.
Daisy was nominated by her manager at the care home Rebekah Charles.
Rebekah said: “Daisy is one of the most humble ladies I have ever met.
“She is remarkable.
“Her approach reflects the values of an old-school matron where she expects nothing less than excellence in care delivery from the smallest details like bed-making to the overall organisation of medication administration.
“Daisy is not only cherished by the care staff and residents, but esteemed by healthcare professionals including GPs, local health board representatives and residents’ families.
“Her reputation for excellence and compassion leads her to the trust and respect of all who interact with her.”
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