MATRON and senior sister Anne Henson has walked off the ward for the last time at Williton Hospital.

And the nursing chief who spent 20 years in a senior position at the community unit said she hoped her legacy would be that patients were always put first.

Staff threw a special farewell party to mark Anne's retirement and showered her with gifts including jewellery, a painting of Exmoor and an engraved golden boat plaque - the first to be attached to a mural for the Seascape Appeal, which will eventually be a mural of dedications and memorials in aid of the hospital.

A staff spokesman said the party had been held in the newly-refurbished Meadow Ward, which was particularly poignant as Anne had instigated and developed the refurbishment.

Anne's nursing career has spanned more than 40 years, starting in 1972.

Her first role as a staff nurse three years later was in the accident and emergency high dependency unit at the former East Reach Hospital in Taunton.

From there she moved to Minehead to work in theatre until she had her family, after which she became a night sister at Williton Hospital.

"In my role of matron and senior sister I have been extremely proud to lead the Williton team," said Anne.

"It is with great pride that I have witnessed the innovative changes that have evolved over the years.

"Williton Hospital's strength has been to identify the needs of the patients within the locality and to provide a service that meets those needs."

In 2004, Williton opened a stroke unit, providing rehabilitation for patients who had suffered strokes within the wider area.

"Staff commenced training in stroke management to ensure the continued high standard of patient care was maintained," said Anne.

She said the hospital continued to evolve recognising local needs.

When the closure of 25 beds was announced two years ago, it had been "a huge shock initially".

"This was a difficult time for all the staff but in true fashion the remaining staff met this challenge," said Anne.

"The closure of the ward caused great concern within the community and was debated at a West Somerset Council meeting.

"The NHS Trust listened to public opinion and agreed to the hospital's configuration."

Anne said the ward had now been completely refurbished thanks to the hospital's league of friends.

"The hospital will have 20 in-patient beds, plus a day unit providing ambulatory care, which is soon to be opened.

"Although this has been a difficult time we are delighted with the reconfiguration and everyone is looking forward to an exciting future when the hospital will be in a position to offer more services in and around the locality."

Anne said she was leaving the hospital with great sadness but she felt it was time to hand over to a very capable and enthusiastic team.

"I hope my legacy will be to continue to encourage innovation, meet challenges with enthusiasm and always put the patients first."

Pictured from the left, Rosie Davies, Sharon Sweeney, Terry Allen, Anne Henson, Vicky Baker, Jen Norris and Iris Ravenscroft.

Photo: Steve Guscott