24 April 2026
Retired Physiotherapists Libby Cockill (left) and Julie Mclaughlan
Wolverhampton Physiotherapists Libby Cockill and Julie McLauchlan have retired with almost 90 years’ NHS service between them.
Libby, who joined The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust in 1998, has worked across several sites including Phoenix Health Centre, West Park and Cannock Chase Hospitals.
As a teenager, she was inspired by a family she babysat for – hearing the mum, a Physiotherapist, talk about “the difference she was making to her patients’ quality of life.”
Reflecting on her current role she said: “A typical day is about planning for appointments, supporting patients, but also mentoring the more junior members of the team to grow in confidence and develop their skills.
“The patients I see are lovely, and we get really positive feedback as a service.”
Libby also praised wider management teams for supporting her to undertake extracurricular training over the years.
The 63-year-old said: “I’ve been supported to learn and to provide the best possible care I can to patients, and I hope I’ve been able to pass that knowledge on to colleagues.
“The team at Cannock are fantastic – I have really enjoyed working with them, and I’ll miss them all.”
Looking towards retirement, Libby plans to enjoy the great outdoors and continue with her hobby of sailing.
For colleague Julie, she took inspiration came from her dad on which career path to take.
The 65-year-old said: “He was a personal trainer in the Army and there he met several Physiotherapists. I was an aspiring dancer, and was interested in how the body moves, so he thought I’d find it interesting.”
Based in the Occupational Health Team, she too has moved bases over the years – from the former Royal Hospital to Penn Manor Medical Centre and New Cross Hospital before moving to her current base at Whitmore Reans Health Centre.
“I see staff members in their place of work, looking at posture and how we might alter things in their job to make things easier for them, while also improving their health overall.”
A big part of her role has focused on service development, which has included the use of technology to make it more efficient.
“I’m proud of what we Physiotherapists do for staff and patients. While we can’t always cure a pain, we can help people to lead better, more comfortable lives.”
And in a message to her colleagues, she said: “Each member of the team has played a part in supporting me in my career, and have often helped me on a personal level. I’m incredibly grateful – a big thank you to you all.”
When it comes to retirement plans, travelling is high up the list, as she is now making arrangements to visit family in New Zealand.
“The world is my oyster,” she said.