Wirral hospital midwife retires after 47 years of service

Chris Reid embarked on her journey in healthcare at Clatterbridge on February 4, 1976, qualifying as a registered nurse in 1979.

Her dedication saw her contributing to the children’s ward until October 1979, after which she transitioned to midwifery training. 

Chris Reid embarked on her journey in healthcare at Clatterbridge on February 4, 1976 (Image: WUTH)

She told the Globe: “I followed in the footsteps of most of the women in the family. My mother, sister and auntie were all nurses in the NHS so that’s how it all started for me. I wanted to do something practical and caring so nursing and midwifery ticked the boxes for me.” 

Having earned her stripes as a midwife, Chris continued her work at Clatterbridge until the service's relocation to Arrowe Park Hospital. She transitioned into community midwifery, and in 1998, she became the team coordinator for the Lakeside team with the introduction of team midwifery. 

Chris's leadership shone as she undertook the role of locality lead midwife for the Wallasey team, until she transitioned into flexi-retirement in 2016. 

Chris has retired after 47 years in the industry (Image: WUTH)

She said: “My advice for any aspiring midwife is to always keep the focus on the woman and their family. They are the most important people in the room and that should never be forgotten.

“I will miss the families immensely. It has been a privilege to serve my community. At my leaving meal, I was approached by someone in the restaurant who thanked me for delivering their baby 30 years ago. It’s lovely to think that so many families remember our faces after such a long time.” 

Continuing her dedication to healthcare, she embraced the role of a community midwife within Wallasey and West Wirral Community Teams, leaving a mark as the community midwife at Hoylake Road Surgery for 14 years. 

As Chris bids farewell, she looks forward to spending more time with her family and playing her beloved golf.   

Chris Reid Davies pictured with Naga Munchetty, presenter on BBC Breakfast, during WUTH Staff Awards (Image: WUTH)

She said: “I’m looking forward to spending more time with family in my retirement. In my role the shifts can mean that you’re not always around for important occasions. My family have been incredibly supportive and understanding so I’m glad I can be home more.  

“It will be nice to spend more time on the golf course too. I’m a member of Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake and was the Ladies Captain during COVID. I’m really into my golf so at least now in my retirement I have an excuse to play more.”

Tracy Fennell, Chief Nurse at WUTH said: "Chris has been an absolute pillar within our healthcare community for 47 years. Her commitment to the profession has left a great mark on WUTH. As she embarks on this well-deserved retirement, we extend our thanks and warmest wishes for an incredibly happy and fulfilling retirement. Chris, your legacy will forever be remembered within our hospital and the community."