'It can be busy, but I’m never bored': Glasgow nurse celebrates 50 year career

A Glasgow nurse has celebrated 50 years of nursing patients back to health in the city.

Valerie Welch, a recovery nurse at the Royal Hospital for Children, recently marked her 70th birthday and a remarkable five-decade nursing career.

Working in the post-anaesthesia care units (PACUs), Valerie's primary role involves assessing vitals, managing pain, ensuring patient comfort, and providing critical recovery support.

She qualified in 1974 down south and moved to Scotland in 1986.

In 1992, she trained in paediatrics and started her current post seven years ago.

(Image: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde)

She said: "Children are my favourite to work with.

"I enjoy everything about working with them.

“I love the one-on-one care that is required with this job. The children are so vulnerable when they come around from surgery.

“We really need to be there for them, tell them they’re safe, and get their parents or carers in to be with them as soon as possible.

“There is no such thing as an average day in theatre recovery. It can be busy, but I’m never bored.

“I’m part of a fantastic team that I enjoy working with. As long as I can, I will be working here.”

(Image: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde)

Her co-workers at the PACU Recovery Team had high praise for her.

They said: "Valerie has a remarkable, bubbly personality that everyone warms to, especially the children.

"You don’t achieve 50 years in nursing without having an excellent connection with patients and Valerie certainly has that with every kid that comes through our doors.

"We love that she is part of our team, and we wish her the happiest of birthdays and anniversaries.

"All the best, Val."