A highly respected and much-loved NHS worker has retired from West Herts Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust following five decades of dedication, bringing to a close 50 years of compassion, kindness and many unforgettable moments.
Cheryl Atkins, who is based in Hemel Hempstead, joined the Trust as a student nurse in the 1970s, and has spent her entire professional life shaping the culture, spirit and standards of West Herts.
Cheryl started her career working at the Peace Memorial Hospital, the big Watford hospital of the era. She spent 28 years as a Senior Staff Nurse until she moved into a Healthcare Assistant (HCA) role - a change she credits with reigniting her love of hands-on patient care. She went on to support and train colleagues in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), where she is famous for her teaching flair and infectious enthusiasm.
Among her many imaginative campaigns were ‘Glove Island’, which was inspired by her the reality TV series Love Island, and her campaigns became even more imaginative and fun: including ‘Glove Factor’, ‘I’m a Coronavirus, Get Me Out of Here’, and ‘Grime Watch’. Her work attracted attention beyond West Herts with eight NHS Trusts copying Cheryl's ideas for their own staff, and she was even mentioned in Parliament after demonstrating UV‑light hygiene teaching to a former MP.
Cheryl’s career has been filled with memorable moments, from knitting for singers Kiki Dee and Elton John, to appearing on the radio and to dancing on the X Factor stage. Her contributions have also been formally recognised with honours including ‘Health Leader of the Year’, a West Herts Hospitals’ ‘Stars of Herts’ Award, and the opportunity to represent the Trust at Buckingham Palace.
Reflecting on her career, Cheryl shared the advice she always gives to new starters: “Treat every patient the way you’d want someone to treat your mum. You’ll never go wrong and remember that kindness must never become optional.”
Cheryl even found love at work. During her final A&E placement as a student nurse, she met a quiet paramedic. A year later, they were married and 50 years on, he still drives her to work every morning.
As she steps into retirement, Cheryl plans to spend more time supporting her mum, enjoying her grandchildren and great‑grandchildren, and continuing her beloved crafting, especially knitting twiddle muffs for dementia patients and creating knitted flower bouquets.
Melanie Chambers, Deputy Chief Nurse at West Herts, said: “Thank you Cheryl for giving us 50 years of laughter, compassion and creativity. Your passion for patient care shines through everything you do, and our wards simply won’t be the same without you. And thank you for reminding us that great care always begins with great kindness.”