Heartbeat: Wave goodbye to… Rose Butler

December 10, 2021

After delivering 56 years of outstanding care for patients in Sandwell, Rose Butler will be retiring from SWB.

Known to most across the Trust as Sister Rose, she started her nursing career in 1965 when she joined the state enrolled nursing programme at West Bromwich and District General Hospital which she successfully qualified from 18 months later.

“I have witnessed many changes over my 50 plus year career such as the merging of West Bromwich District Hospital with the Hallam Hospital and Heath Lane Hospital, which then later became what know now as Sandwell Hospital as well an evolution of the healthcare system from traditional, manual delivery of care up to the progression of the new technology like our electronic patient record, Unity,” said Rose.

Throughout her five decade career Rose has reached many milestones such as having one of her youngest patients, a baby girl named after her and being recipient of an MBE in 2008.

When asked about her MBE Rose said: “l remember it like it was only yesterday! I was travelling to Buckingham Palace and I had butterflies in my stomach. l couldn’t eat anything on the day because I was so nervous even though it wasn’t the first time I had been to the palace and I’d been invited to a garden party previously and met the Queen and Prince Philip which was equally as nerve-wracking but also amazing. When I received my MBE from Prince Charles, he asked me how long I had been nursing, and whether I enjoyed the job. It was a very special experience.”

Sister Rose has left a lasting impression on many of her colleagues including Maria Yague, Staff Nurse who looks at Rose like a mentor.

She said: “Sister Rose is always there to lend you a hand, always listens, is always compassionate and she is non-judgemental. This isn’t just for the nurses but also all radiographers, radiologists, IDAs, HCAs, porters and admin staff.”

Carrie Goodship, superintendent radiographer and reporting radiographer echoes these thoughts and said: “In the team and across the department, I think we can all agree when I say that we are all very privileged to have worked with a very truly remarkable and successful nurse such as Rose. She is a true daughter of Sandwell Hospital.”

As part of her retirement, Rose plans to spend more time with her family and friends.

Everyone at SWB would like to Thank Rose for her service – good luck in the future Sister Rose!