A farewell party was held for Nuffield Health Exeter Hospital matron Barbara Lewis, who retired after 23 years serving the community. The photo is of Barbara and her husband, Gerry Lewis. The party was at Sandy Park. Copyright for the photo is with Mark Campbell, On the Mark Photography.

Retirment celebrations were held for ‘dedicated’ hopsital matron Barbara Lewis, from Exmouth.

A farewell party was held for Nuffield Health Exeter Hospital matron Barbara Lewis, who retired after 23 years serving the community.

Barbara joined the hospital in 1989 when she accepted a nursing role.

Working her way through the ranks of sister, senior sister and wards manager, Barbara was appointed matron in 2008.

Last year she was pivotal in the hospital’s success when it achieved an award for patient safety.

Some 175 hospital consultants and staff joined Barbara to wish her well for the future.

Past patient and current chair of Exeter Hospital’s patient focus group, Colonel Paul Baldry, said: “Barbara always showed accomplished and dedicated leadership but, above all, remarkable medical, caring and nursing skills to patients and families.

“In turn, many patients repeatedly expressed their deep gratitude for the considerable support they were given during their recovery from treatment.”

On behalf of Nuffield Health, Patricia Lee, chief executive hospitals, said: “Barbara dedicated many years to looking after the people of Exeter and East Devon.

“Above all, she strived to ensure that the highest standards of patient safety and care were met.

“We are very sorry to be saying goodbye to Barbara, but we wish her a well-deserved, long and happy retirement with her family.”

Around 500,000 patients received treatment and care during the course of Barbara’s Nuffield career.

A spokesman for Nuffield said: “Just last year Barbara helped to steer the hospital through the assessment process for NHSLA Level 3 - the highest possible award for risk management and patient safety in the country.”

Exeter subsequently joining a small group of hospitals to have achieved the prestigious accolade.

The hospital twice went through ‘intense change’ during Barbara’s time there, being redeveloped and extended

Barbara is succeeded by new Matron, Paula Winter, who joins from Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital.