Sheila Baldwin has retired from delivering babies at our hospitals after 30 years and thousands of babies!

Soon after she qualified as a nurse, Sheila, of Ilford, was inspired to help others in a country less fortunate than ours after seeing a heartbreaking appeal on TV.

She was advised to train as a midwife before heading overseas and as soon as she qualified, the then 27-year-old spent three years working in Sierra Leone. She only returned home because she missed her family.

She said: “It was very different and healthcare was basic, but I loved it. It was one of the best times of my life.”

On her return, she joined our Trust in 1987 and stayed for the last 30 years, also branching into teaching and supporting our trainee midwives.

Sheila added: “I became a nurse because I wanted to care for others and for my whole career I’ve loved my job. The most important part of it is looking after the women. Midwives are key people and so valued.

“I’ve been very happy here; we have high standards and good people. I’ve also enjoyed the diversity of our staff, and found learning about other cultures very inspiring. I have mixed feelings as it is hard to leave, but the time is right to take some time for me and my family. I will continue to teach.”

During her time with us, Sheila has worked at several hospitals; joining Barking Community Hospital before working at King George and finally Queen’s Hospital.

Although she has no children of her own, Sheila has delivered countless babies of her fellow midwives over the years.

After taking off July, Sheila will teach aspiring midwives three days a week at London Southbank University.

Pictured is Sheila receiving her retirement certificate from our Director of Midwifery Wendy Matthews