At 84 years young, Daisy Richards, believed to be the oldest working nurse in Britain, is breaking records and inspiring admiration.
With a career spanning over six decades, Ms. Richards, who currently cares for dementia patients at a care home in Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, Anglesey, has been shortlisted for an Outstanding Service Award at the prestigious Wales Care Awards.
Ms. Richards began her nursing journey in 1958 and continues to bring unparalleled dedication to her work, now often caring for patients younger than herself.
Despite her age, she works three demanding 12-hour shifts each week, setting a standard of excellence that her colleagues and manager say embodies the “old-school” nursing values of high standards and empathy.
“Every day I come to work, I enjoy my work – you have to,” said Ms. Richards.
Her approach to patient care, she shared, is based on the idea that a care home should feel like a true home for residents, with meticulous attention to comfort and respect.
Her manager, Rebekah Charles, nominated her for the award, emphasizing that, “Daisy’s dedication to high standards sets a benchmark for the entire team, ensuring residents receive care of the utmost quality.”
Having moved to Anglesey in 1972, Ms. Richards initially worked in a hospital in Bangor and later served as a district nurse before dedicating herself to elderly care.
Modest about her nomination, she remarked
“There are thousands of nurses in the same situation as me doing this type of work.”
The Wales Care Awards ceremony, to be held in Cardiff, promises to be a celebration of outstanding care professionals like Ms. Richards, who have made extraordinary contributions to their field.
