Physiotherapists retire after combined 90 years working for NHS

Two physiotherapists have retired after working for the NHS for a combined 90 years.

Libby Cockill and Julie McLauchlan have spent decades working for The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust across its various sites.

Cockill was inspired to join the profession as a teenager by a family she babysat for, hearing the mother talk about the difference she was making to her patients' quality of life as a physiotherapist.

She joined the NHS trust in 1998 and has worked at Phoenix Health Centre, West Park and Cannock Chase Hospitals.

Reflecting on her role, she said: "The patients I see are lovely, and we get really positive feedback as a service.

The 63-year-old said: "I've been supported to learn and to provide the best possible care I can to patients, and I hope I've been able to pass that knowledge on to colleagues.

"The team at Cannock are fantastic – I have really enjoyed working with them, and I'll miss them all."

Looking towards retirement, Cockill plans to enjoy the great outdoors and continue with her hobby of sailing.

For colleague McLauchlan, she took inspiration from her father on which career path to take.

The 65-year-old said: "He was a personal trainer in the army and there he met several physiotherapists.

I was an aspiring dancer, and was interested in how the body moves, so he thought I'd find it interesting."

Based in the occupational health team, over the years she has worked at the former Royal Hospital, Penn Manor Medical Centre and New Cross Hospital, before moving to her current base at Whitmore Reans Health Centre.

"I see staff members in their place of work, looking at posture and how we might alter things in their job to make things easier for them, while also improving their health overall," she said.

"I'm proud of what we physiotherapists do for staff and patients. While we can't always cure a pain, we can help people to lead better, more comfortable lives."

In a message to her colleagues, she said: "Each member of the team has played a part in supporting me in my career, and have often helped me on a personal level. I'm incredibly grateful – a big thank you to you all."

When it comes to retirement plans, travelling is high up the list, as she is now making arrangements to visit family in New Zealand.

"The world is my oyster," she said.

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