After 44 years’ service Community Midwife Myra Westwood is retiring today and looking forward to a well-deserved rest.

Myra started her career in 1977 in general nursing before going into midwifery and the community. She has worked for the Trust since 2001.

The grandmother-of-three said: “What I have enjoyed most during my career is the women and families and also working in a team. There have been a lot of changes, with some challenging ones such as covid but to be able to see so many developments too has been great.”

When asked what she will miss the most Myra, aged 62, said: “I will really miss my colleagues as well as all the women and the babies.”

Lead Midwife for Community Services Vicky Picken said: “When Myra came to Walsall she was a breath of fresh air; she not only empowered the women but also her colleagues. She has always known the names of all her students and has always looked after them so well.

“Myra now gets to spend time with her lovely sons and grandchildren. She is a truly wonderful individual who spreads happiness wherever she goes and is an inspiration to not only myself but many of her friends and colleagues. I thank her for all her wonderful years of service and now it’s her time to be looked after.”

During her retirement Myra will be caring for her mum and hopes to travel when there are no covid restrictions.

Myra also wanted to add: “I just want to say thank you to everyone and the Trust for their support especially when I was going through some difficult times, I am forever grateful.”