Friends of Johnson Community Hospital receive £1,000 cheque from family of pioneering nurse Maureen Dennis
A devoted widower has paid a heartfelt tribute to his late wife giving a £1,000 donation to the hospital where she worked.
Trevor and Maureen Dennis, from Moulton Chapel, spent a lifelong commitment to each other before she sadly died in March 2021.
Her career as a nurse saw her work at the old Johnson Hospital in Priory Road, Spalding and Mr Dennis and members of the family gave a special cheque presentation in her memory at the new Johnson Community Hospital.
Christine Grocock, secretary of the Friends of Johnson Community Hospital, said: “We are deeply grateful to Mr Dennis for his generous £1,000 donation in memory of his beloved wife, Maureen.
“This contribution will make a meaningful impact, allowing us to continue enhancing the care and comfort of patients in our community.
“We are honoured to be part of such a heartfelt tribute.”
Mrs Dennis, nee Mason, was born in 1932 and began training as a nurse at the creation of the NHS. Her 1948 student nurse’s notes and books were donated last year to the hospital where they are proudly on display in the foyer.
Mr Dennis said: “Maureen loved being a nurse, and we thought it fitting that the Johnson should have these books so that people might see them and hopefully nurses might enjoy learning about someone who was really one of the pioneers of modern nursing.
“Maureen devoted herself to the profession and the patients she served.
“We are immensely proud of her.”
She was just 16 years old when she embarked on training at Queen Mary’s Children’s Hospital, Carshalton, Surrey.
Training was rigorous and detailed and her family were delighted last December when her first student notebook, and her textbook were put on display.
Written in her immaculate handwriting it gives a fascinating glimpse into the medical knowledge, the nursing techniques and the academic demands placed on students at that time.
It offers a fascinating glimpse into nursing education from that era and her significant contribution to the profession.
One notable entry reflects the nascent understanding of medical treatments at the time, with a note on adrenaline stating ‘we’re not sure what it does’.
Family and friends attended the presentation which remembered her dedication to nursing and impactful career and the legacy that continues to inspire the hospital community.
Daughter Jacqui Woods said: “Dad is a very generous person, and it is so typical of his pride in mum and his kindness that he wants to donate a cheque.”
The family’s donations serve as a tribute to Maureen’s memory and a testament to her passion for healthcare.
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