Local Nurse, Clare Bean, celebrates 40 years of caring for patients this Christmas. Surrounded by her colleagues, she reminisced about her four decades of being a part of the NHS.
Clare reflected on her journey, Clare said: “I started nursing in 1985 at the Thomas Guy and Lewisham school of nursing. It was very different back then, we hand-wrote patients’ notes, and there wasn't a computer insight! One of my earliest memories is the uniform: beautifully starched dresses, black shoes and the famous paper hats.”
After qualifying, Clare moved to Brighton and then Bournemouth, where she spent 10 years as a vascular nurse. During this time, she completed her nursing diploma and degree.
“This remains one of the highlights of my career, as I loved the fast-paced environment and the complexity of the speciality.”
Clare then explored the world of community nursing and soon found another passion for working with young people. She became a school nurse, spending several years working in the team. Following her work with children, she became part of the immunisation team, where she played a key part in the COVID-19 vaccination rollout."
“I was especially proud to be part of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout- a defining moment in history. It was a challenging and worrying time for everyone, but I felt privileged to be part of protecting our community.”
“In September 2024, I joined the health visiting team as a Community Staff Nurse, a role I’m proud to continue in today. Forty years on, I’m grateful for every chapter, every colleague and every patient who has shaped my life.”
Jodi Bennett, Clinical Team Lead for New Forest West Health Visiting Team, commented: “We would like to congratulate Clare on reaching her 40-year milestone in the NHS. This is a truly amazing achievement with such a diverse career as a nurse. We are very lucky that she is part of our team and wish her many more happy years. Congratulations Clare.”
Jen Edgington, Director of Nursing Physical Health, added "Clare’s incredible 40-year journey is a true testament to her dedication, compassion, and commitment to nursing. Her career reflects the very best of the NHS—adapting to change, embracing new challenges, and always putting patients first. From her early days in hospital wards to her vital role in the COVID-19 vaccination programme and now supporting families as a Community Staff Nurse, Clare has made a lasting impact on countless lives. We are immensely proud to celebrate this milestone with her and thank her for her outstanding contribution to healthcare."