With an incredible 50 years in nursing, Maggie Brett has reached an extraordinary milestone, and we are proud to celebrate her dedication to the profession. Maggie's journey has taken her across the military, occupational health, and now into the NHS 111 service, where she continues to make a difference every day.
Maggie began her career in 1975, training in the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps (QARANC). She qualified in 1977 and spent 15 years in the military, completing tours in Germany and Ireland during the height of the Troubles.
" When I joined the army, I thought I’d be sent to Hong Kong, but I ended up in Aldershot "
“What attracted me to nursing? I initially considered joining the army but preferred the QARANC uniform, which is grey and scarlet, over the olive green WRAC uniform. Consequently, I pursued nursing, and through the guidance of an excellent mentor on my first ward, I developed a strong appreciation for the profession.”
Maggie shares: “When I joined the army, I thought I’d be sent to Hong Kong, but I ended up in Aldershot instead! I was devastated at the time, but looking back, my career took me to places and experiences I never could have imagined.”
After leaving the army, Maggie transitioned into occupational health, working in major industries such as British Steel and Northern Foods.
“I was one of the first occupational health nurses to move from just treating injuries to actually preventing them,” she recalls. “At British Steel, I had to convince managers that simple changes, like improved lighting or better chairs, could prevent injuries before they happened. It was a battle at times, but it was so rewarding when people saw the results.”
Finding a New Home at DHU Healthcare
Following an injury that affected her mobility, Maggie moved into telephone triage, working with NHS Direct before joining DHU Healthcare in 2013. She initially worked in CQI (Continuous Quality Improvement) before moving into her current role as a Clinical Patient Experience Facilitator.
“My job now is about listening to patient feedback, investigating concerns, and making sure we provide the best care possible,” she explains. “It’s never about blaming anyone. It’s about learning and improving. I always say, let’s figure out what happened and how we can make it better.”
"Retirement? Not Yet!"
Despite turning 70 next month, Maggie has no plans to retire just yet. “I love what I do,” she says. “I couldn’t work full-time anymore, but DHU has been incredibly supportive. They’ve adapted my role so I can still contribute, and I’m grateful for that.”
“The people here are incredible,” she says. “Nobody is precious, everyone supports each other, and I’m in awe of some of my team members. Their knowledge and professionalism inspire me every day.”
"Nursing Has Changed So Much"
Having seen monumental shifts in the profession, from sterilizing instruments on the ward to the rise of advanced nurse practitioners, Maggie looks back on how much has changed.
“When I started, nurses weren’t even allowed to take blood,” she laughs. “Now, they do everything—prescribing, diagnosing, managing entire patient pathways. It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come.”