Compassionate nurse appointed as matron
The new matron at Newark Hospital says she is totally behind the hospital and its future.
Adele Bonsall, 48, has been appointed on a three-month secondment but is hopeful that when it comes to an end it will be extended.
“If I am given the opportunity to stay I will,” she said.
“I am right behind Newark Hospital and its patients.”
Adele said the hospital was able to offer a high-quality service and experience.
“Fantastic things are already happening and a lot of things that are done here can be done very well because we are a smaller hospital,” she said.
Adele has been a nurse for more than 20 years, a career she wanted to do from childhood.
When she left school she did not have enough O-levels for a place at the Derbyshire School of Nursing so went to college determined to gain the qualifications needed to meet the requirements.
She then worked as a lifeguard at Center Parcs at Sherwood Forest for two years, where she met her husband, Mark.
The couple, who have two children, Georgina and Christopher, will celebrate their silver wedding this year.
Adele finally got a place at the nursing school after passing an entrance exam in which only 5% of candidates were successful. She was then told she needed to lose weight before she could start the course.
Determined to do so she lost two stone in a month and was finally able to start her training in 1989.
She passed her final examinations after three years of studies in Derby and qualified as a registered general nurse.
“I rang my mum to say: ‘I am coming home’,” Adele said.
'A caring and compassionate nurse'
Her first job was at Harlow Wood Orthopaedic Hospital, Mansfield, where she worked as a nurse and completed her orthopaedic specialist training.
When the hospital closed in 1995 she was offered at job at King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton-in-Ashfield, on the orthopaedic unit as a staff nurse.
She moved into the medicine division in 1999 where she gained experience in respiratory, emergency care and geriatric medicine, including the care of patients with mental health needs.
Adele said she had always enjoyed working with elderly patients.
“I have always felt it was a privilege to look after them and ensure they get the quality care they need,” she said.
Adele comes to Newark after being practice development matron at Mansfield Community Hospital.
She said that when the position at Newark became vacant the outgoing matron, Carly Rollinson, was among those who suggested she should apply.
“I have been made to feel really welcome,” Adele said.
“The role of matron is varied. The wards are run by the ward sisters but I am here to support them.”
In her spare time, Adele loves to socialise with friends, and she enjoys photography and walking in Derbyshire.
The assistant chief operating officer for Newark Hospital, Ant Rosevear, said Adele was a great addition to the team.
“She is a very caring and compassionate nurse and someone who will listen to and involve both staff and patients,” he said.
