Retiring nurse from Heacham praised by King’s Lynn hospital for 40 years of ‘incredible’ service
A staff nurse who has notched up 40 years of dedicated service to the NHS retires this month.
Michelle Crisp, 59, of Heacham, began her career in January 1985 at Whipps Cross Hospital in London. She completed her Registered General Nurse training in 1988 and two years later, discovered her true calling in children’s nursing moving into paediatrics in 1990 - a field she has passionately served ever since.
In 1995, Michelle specialised in paediatric oncology nursing, holding positions at renowned institutions including Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Royal Marsden. She later moved into community nursing in South London and worked with teams at Greenwich, Lewisham and the Evelina London Children's Hospital where she continued to care for children with cancer and their families with dedication and compassion.
In 2020, Michelle relocated to Norfolk to care for her father, who had cancer. Following his death, she found herself drawn back to nursing and joined the team at Lynn’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital in 2021.
Michelle said: “I always knew I wanted to be a nurse – I think I was destined to. I joined St John Ambulance when I was eight years old and stayed with them until I was 19 – straight from there, I went into nursing.
“Whilst I loved my career in London, I actually thought I’d hung up my uniform when I moved to Norfolk to care for dad. However, I soon realised my heart was still in it and I felt invigorated to carry on.
“Joining the QEH was amazing – it’s like one big family. I’m so pleased that I continued my nursing journey here in Norfolk.”
Michelle is now looking forward to spending more time with her mum. As a big fan of 80s pop music, she is also looking forward to seeing the Pet Shop Boys perform at Sandringham this summer. She also hopes to learn to play the guitar.
The hospital said the QEH team extends its “heartfelt thanks” to Michelle for her “incredible service and wishes her all the very best in retirement”.
