The emergency department ‘family’ at Wexham Park Hospital came together this week to mark the retirement of one of their much-loved senior nurses

Susie Manikam has been a nurse for almost 50 years, after qualifying in the early 1970s shortly after she moved to the UK from Malaysia.  

She has worked in Wexham ED for 36 years, joining as a sister and now a senior sister, and is renowned for her compassionate care for her patients.  

James Rolfe, emergency department matron, said: “Susie is the most unique, kind and compassionate nurse. She always focuses on the patient, not their problem, and treats everyone like an individual so they feel really cared for. No matter how challenged we are in the department, she always remains calm and never fails to give the patient her full attention.”    

In an emotional send off, the team held a surprise retirement gathering on Monday, with colleagues from across the department popping in to say their goodbyes. There were tear-filled tributes from some of her nursing team who have worked alongside her for decades.   

Susie said: “We are like a family here, we laugh together and cry together, it’s such a wonderful team. I haven’t ruled out coming back in some capacity, even if it’s volunteering, I’ll really miss working at Wexham.” 

Susie is pictured above with emergency department matrons James Rolfe and Jo Hawkes.