On Monday, December 15 at Holsworthy Hospital more than 50 friends and colleagues of Liz Jones, the hospital's Modern Matron, gathered to wish her well in her retirement after 38 years service to the NHS.

Mrs Jones trained for four years (1964-68) at Barts Hospital in London before nursing in hospitals at Tetbury, Southend and Bedford. She moved to Devon in 1972 and spent six years farming and running a bed and breakfast before returning to nursing at Winsford and at the old Holsworthy Hospital at Dawesfield. There followed 18 years as a community nurse before she came to Holsworthy Hospital in 2003 as Modern Matron.

After a buffet lunch, Nikki Kennelly, speaking on behalf of the PCT, said she was a caring nurse who always put patients and staff first and was prepared to roll up her sleeves and get busy when the need arose.

Before presenting gifts to Mrs Jones, Ward Sister, Gill Piper, said she admired anyone who could survive 38 years in the NHS and retire. She was a committed professional who was known for her kindness, compassion and sense of humour.

After reminiscing about her career, which she described as a "lovely time", Mrs Jones said her five years at Holsworthy Hospital had been happy, a time of laughter and fun as well as hard work and caring, just like in a family.

Her successor, Rachel Hooper, was also present. Currently the Modern Matron of Torrington Hospital, she will take over responsibility for both ­hospitals.