Today we bid Linda Llewellyn a heartfelt farewell as she begins a new chapter in her life following a truly life-changing nursing career spanning almost half a decade.
Linda’s life as a nurse began when she qualified in 1974 and it was during her time working in coronary care that she found her calling – caring for cardiac patients.
She briefly moved to Hastings but following a change of heart, Linda returned to the North East to take up a rotational staff nurse post at the newly opened cardiothoracic unit at Freeman Hospital in 1977. She helped to set up the wards and services and gained experience across the whole of the specialty.
It wasn’t long before Linda’s leadership skills were recognised and within two years she was promoted to ward sister on the cardiothoracic surgical ward, subsequently moving to Ward 30 where she was the ‘beating heart’ for 20 years.
This is where Linda’s passion for cardiac rehabilitation developed and grew. She produced the first cardiac rehab information booklets for all patients undergoing heart surgery, and in 1985 she established the first rehabilitation classes, run by volunteers and funded through charitable funds.
Linda's experience and expertise has benefited major clinical networks, influencing and shaping high quality care delivered to cardiac patients across the North East and North Cumbria, and wider afield – her professional career is certainly one to aspire to.
Executive Chief Nurse, Maurya Cushlow
Linda successfully sought British Heart Foundation funding to maintain the classes for post myocardial infarction (heart attack) patients in 1992, and eventually – due to the overwhelming success of cardiac rehabilitation – Linda became the first official cardiac rehab specialist nurse in 2000 – a post which she has continued to hold to this day.
Cardiac rehab has remained at the heart of Linda’s nursing profession and she has been a key and pivotal role model across the Northern Network of Cardiac Care, ensuring thousands of patients could return to their best life after recovering from life-threatening cardiac events.
She has been involved in research to help patients during their rehabilitation journey, and in 2010 Linda was bestowed with the “Paul Harris Fellowship” Rotarian Award for her outstanding contribution to cardiac rehab services.
On Linda’s retirement colleague Dr Azfar Zaman, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist says: “Linda has been a valued colleague for the duration of my (over) 20 years at Freeman. She has been a role model for all in the cardiothoracic directorate and epitomises the Trust motto, “Health care at its very best with people at its heart”.
“Linda’s compassion and drive to improve the lot of her patients, her boundless energy, willing smile and affability will be sorely missed. She leaves behind a cardiovascular rehabilitation department moulded and led by her to deliver the highest standards. What a legacy!”
Executive Chief Nurse Maurya Cushlow adds: “Linda is a shining example of true clinical leadership and she can be incredibly proud of the impact she has had on both her patients and colleagues demonstrating endless compassion and a continuous drive to improve patient care throughout her nursing career here at Newcastle Hospitals.
“Her experience and expertise has benefited major clinical networks, influencing and shaping high quality care delivered to cardiac patients across the North East and North Cumbria, and wider afield – her professional career is certainly one to aspire to.
“We wish Linda a long and happy retirement as she starts this next exciting chapter of her life.”
