"Sisters, sisters, there were never such devoted sisters"
Date of release: 8 March 2025
Wolverhampton sisters Anne-Louse Stirling and Sarah Reid have committed their working lives to supporting local people who use healthcare services.
Sarah Reid (left) and Anne-Louise Stirling
Despite working in different teams, they’ve both put their energy and passion into the delivery of high-quality patient care. Today their loyalty is being recognised by The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) as part of this year’s International Women’s Day (8 March 2025).
Anne-Louise joined the Trust in 1983 – taking on secretarial roles within Estates, Maternity and Finance.
She explained: “I was just 18 years old when I started work as a shorthand typist in the planning department.
“I was lucky enough to experience both clinical and operational sides of the NHS. I’ve got great memories of former work colleagues, and of the women and their families while in the patient-facing role.
In 1989 she became an executive assistant to the director of finance, and since then her day-to-day role has involved complex diary management, meeting preparation and minute-taking.
“When I first started in the NHS, we’d used electric typewriters, and I’m sure we only had one computer on our floor!
“During my time here it’s been incredible to see RWT services expand – for example the opening of the Heart and Lung Centre which since has become one of the leading centres for cardiac surgery in the country.”
The mum-of-two is due to retire next month.
“I’ve been lucky to work with great people over the years. I’ve learnt a lot from former colleagues and our new starters, who have joined us with new ideas and fresh perspectives.”
“RWT has changed in 42 years but so have I. Thank you to everyone who supported me.”
Sarah, who is a Practice Education Facilitator/Sister, started her Nurse training in 1989, working in surgical roles before moving to the Acute Medical Unit (AMU) and looking after patients who need rapid assessment and treatment.
“Thinking back to the early days I was keen to join the organisation where my sister worked. It was comforting having someone so close nearby.”
When she’s not on clinical duties, Sarah’s supports AMU staff to develop and retain their knowledge and skill sets, while also helping new starters to settle in. She organises regular study days for the staff – with topics such as falls prevention, good hand hygiene and diabetes management.
"I'm passionate about learning and supporting others. We have a great team of staff on AMU who are all keen to develop their knowledge and skills and I’m privileged to be part of their Nursing journey.”
In common with her sister, Sarah has found changing technology to have improved the way in which care and treatment is delivered.
She said: "Our digital systems have developed allowing us to be more efficient with our time – from recording patients’ observations electronically to an electronic prescribing and medicines administration system (EPMA).
And as Anne-Louise embarks on retirement Sarah added: “I will certainly miss our coffee dates.”
