Date of release: 31 March 2023
She is proud to have been one of the first “Lilac Ladies” 35 years ago, and Anne Law has now retired from the Community Intermediate Care Team (CICT) with many happy memories of her fantastic work family and rewarding career.
Anne is a Rehabilitation Assistant within the team that is based at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust’s West Park Hospital.
She started her career working in a care home when her children were young, and at that time she recalls watching auxiliary nurses at work and thinking that she’d like to take on that role herself.
“When I saw a job advertised I applied for it but was contacted to say I wasn’t successful,” said Anne, aged 68.
“The woman who interviewed me was very supportive and kind and suggested that I’d be ideal for the Elderly Support Team instead. The team wore lilac uniforms so I became one of the “Lilac Ladies” and really enjoyed the role. At that time we supported patients in their homes and helped them with a bit of shopping.
“I joined CICT more than 10 years ago and our focus is on enabling patients who have left hospital to regain the skills they had to maintain their independence. We help them build their confidence back up and stay living in the home environment they feel happiest in.”
Anne said over the years she had been able to complete a number of courses to help her gain a better understanding of people’s health conditions such as stroke and Speech and Language difficulties and these had been really useful.
“I retired when I was 66 but came back again and can honestly say that the team is my work family. Everyone is so supportive and compassionate and they are definitely more than work colleagues. We have been there for each other through good and bad times and that means a lot.”
Anne, who lives in Fordhouses, Wolverhampton, has caring responsibilities for her elderly mother but is hoping to spend some time travelling. In her spare time she enjoys walking with husband Steve and gardening.
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Notes to Editor
