Fond farewell to Stalybridge nurse after 17 years

Stalybridge nurse Irene Breeze is bidding a tearful farewell to her local practice and patients this December.

Irene is retiring from the Lockside Medical Centre on Huddersfield Road in the town where she has been caring for patients for the last 17 years. 

Joining the practice in 2003, she had a late start to nursing. 

Originally from Liverpool, Irene always dreamt of being a nurse, but didn’t study for her diploma until she turned 30. 

With four children, aged two, five, 12 and 15 at the time, she juggled being a single mum and studying for her training. 

Her career started in Tameside, caring for the elderly, but she decided to go into a GP practice after observing lots of people going to hospital for non-emergencies. 

In the practice she could offer more bespoke care, especially for diabetic patients, and being a diabetic herself she set out to empower others. 

Irene said: “I decided it was the right time to retire after losing a good friend just before the pandemic. I think Covid has given people the opportunity to re-evaluate. 

“I’ve bought a caravan by the seaside in the Wirral, so it’s going to be a lot of walks with Scruff, my border terrier, and meeting lots of new friends. 

“I can’t thank the team at Lockside enough for everything, they’re like family, and for the patients, words just aren’t enough. If people take anything away from my story, I want it to be to follow your dreams, because nothing is ever impossible.” 

Irene’s official leaving date is December 17, but she’s already being missed by the staff and patients at Lockside. 

In a statement the medical centre said: “Lockside would like to thank Irene for being a valid member of our team... she has helped us grow into the great family team we are today.

“We are sure all our patients who have met her would love to send her their best wishes.”