Today we bid a fond farewell to senior sister Larraine Gaffing, as she retires from an awe-inspiring nursing career spanning over 45 years.
Larraine began as a cadet nurse at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in 1975, and then moved to Newcastle where she worked at the Newcastle General Hospital and Fleming Children’s Hospital before qualifying as a RSCN in​ 1981. She subsequently worked at the RVI (Ward 3 South) and finally the Great North Children’s Hospital on Ward 11 specialising in burns, plastics and ENT.
Over the years Larraine has seen many changes, relocations and advances in children’s healthcare:
- 1982​ – she joined the Fleming Children’s Hospital on Ward 4 as a staff nurse in plastics caring for children with cleft lip and palate
- 1985 – she became sister and acted up as the No 7 (Nursing Officer/ Modern Matron) for part of 1986 to 1987
- 1987 – the Fleming closed with children’s services moving to the RVI which she helped to coordinate, and was promoted to senior sister on Ward 3 South where burns and plastic surgery services combined
- 2010 – children’s services in Newcastle were completely transformed as the Great North Children’s Hospital rose from the ground
This was a major relocation that Larraine unstintingly took in her stride, and she was closely involved during the complex planning stages to ensure her new ward had the best possible facilities to allow her and her teams to provide the highest standards of care for their young patients.
Huge contribution
Maurya Cushlow, Executive Chief Nurse at the Newcastle Hospitals said: “I know Larraine is hugely respected by her colleagues and that her hard work and dedication over the years has made a huge contribution to the Trust. She has been an excellent role model for nurses and nursing throughout her career and a credit to the profession. Thank you.”
Colleagues say that Larraine’s knowledge and experience in caring for children with burns and plastics is unmatched. Her skills in wound care “picking” and bandage technique are second to none, and her ability to ensure dressings stay in place without using hyperfix is described as a “masterpiece to see!”
Over the years she has nursed several generations of the same families from patients with cleft to syndactyly and they all remember Larraine’s kindness and caring attitude. She has even nursed some of our own staff nurses!
A great leader
Consultant plastic surgeon Peter Hodgkinson said: “I have been really pleased to work with Larraine for all of this time and I’m really sad she’s leaving. The good thing about a great leader is a great leader builds a stable and great team – many of whom are here today – and I know the future is in really good hands.”
Larraine added: “Throughout my career I’ve met some wonderful people over the years, made some lovely friends along the way and I’ve always had an amazing team to work with, and it’s the team that matters.
“Some of the children I’ve cared for still send me Christmas cards now and since the cleft service first started I’ve seen how it’s developed from children being with us for 7 to 10 days to being home in 48 hours now. The team has learned to adapt to changes and we’ve gelled together.”
Devoted advocate for young patients
Associate Director of Nursing for children and young people Helga Charters added: “I have known Larraine for many years and have always admired how she has met challenging situations of great change head on, ensuring they made a positive impact, and all the while making sure high quality patient care and experience remained the priority.
“She has always been a devoted advocate for her young patients and their families and an inspirational leader for her colleagues, mentoring those around her to learn from her extensive knowledge. Larraine’s retirement will certainly leave a big hole to fill but we wish her all the very best for a long and very happy retirement.”
Larraine will truly be missed by her colleagues who would like to thank her for all her many years of service and wish her well in this new, exciting chapter in her life.
