Two married senior nurses are to retire after 39 years in health care

After a combined total of 39 years, Carole and Pete Buttong are retiring from Newark Hospital.

Staff Nurse Carole Buttong and Pete Buttong, senior healthcare assistant in theatres, met in Newark and have been married for more than 25 years.

Carole has been nursing for over 38 years, 25 of those years based at Newark Hospital. She said: “I have a lot of memories at Newark Hospital. I’ve become rather attached to the place.

“I have made some great friends and the team on the Minster ward is amazing.”

Carole’s colleague Denise Davies said: “Carole has always been very supportive of all staff on the ward. Some of the younger members over the years have seen her as a work mother. She has always shown compassion and is very caring to all our patients. I wish her a long and happy retirement.”

Pete, who has worked at Newark Hospital for 14 years in total, said: “Getting my permanent role in theatres was a real highlight for me, as well as being awarded star of the month in 2014. I will miss Newark, I will miss my colleagues, they are like family.”

Pete’s colleague Amy Sprigg said: “Pete is a valued member of our team and will be missed within the department and throughout the hospital. We all wish Pete and his wife Carole a happy healthy retirement.”

The couple have sold their house in Newark and are moving to Skegness.