After more than four decades of dedicated service both at EMAS and across the wider NHS, Sally Moore has retired from her role as an Ambulance Nurse at EMAS.
She will be leaving behind a legacy defined by compassion, adaptability, and an unwavering focus on patient care.
Sally’s NHS journey began in 1981 at Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, fulfilling a childhood dream.
She said: “I always wanted to be a nurse, ever since I was a child. When I left school there was no question – that’s what I was going to do.”
Her early years were a whirlwind of hands-on experience, explaining: “My General Nursing training was very hands-on and ward-based from the start.
“I worked across Surgical, Medical, Theatre, A&E, Psychiatric, Orthopaedics, Paediatrics, Community, District Nursing and Maternity – all within the first three years.”
The hospital environment for a trainee nurse in the early 1980s was very demanding.
Sally reflected: “The matrons commanded a lot of authority and respect. On your first night shift, they’d quiz you about every patient.
“When consultants did their rounds, you had to make sure every bed was made and ready to the highest standard.”
After qualifying from her General Nursing course, Sally did a short stint in the Ear, Nose, and Throat Department, before working as a Staff Nurse on a Surgical Ward – both at Derbyshire Royal Infirmary.
From here, Sally’s career took her from Derby to Sussex. Here she worked on the Medical Ward while doing her District Nurse training. Sally then returned to the East Midlands region.
She recalls how patient care has evolved: “I liked working on a Surgical Ward because I enjoyed wound care and dressings.
“Back then, patients stayed in hospital for up to ten days after surgery, so you saw them through their entire recovery.
“Now, most people are in and out of hospital on the same day as their operation.”
Returning to Derby, Sally found her calling in community nursing.
She said: “I always knew I wanted to work in the community, not just hospitals. Treating patients in their own homes lets you see how they really live – you get to know the real person, not just as a patient.
“You build stronger relationships with patients and their families, seeing them week after week. That continuity helps you understand what support they need, both medically and at home.”
Palliative and end-of-life care became a significant part of Sally’s work: “A lot of district nursing required this skill, which prepared me for my next career move to the ambulance service. Paramedics weren’t always comfortable with that side of things many years ago, but that has changed.”
Sally’s NHS career evolved further when she became an Emergency Care Practitioner (ECP) at EMAS in 2006.
She added: “We were brought in as ECPs to handle urgent not non-life-threatening conditions, to help keep patients at home. Over time, we started responding to higher-acuity emergencies as well.”
Sally is proudest of the care and support she has been able to provide to patients at the end of life, during her time at EMAS: “The biggest impact I feel I’ve had has been helping terminally ill patients with pain relief and symptom control – keeping them comfortable at home and avoiding hospital admissions.
“It’s better for families too as being at home is more personal and comforting for everyone involved.
“Teamwork has always been essential – I worked closely with GPs, district nurses, and social services.
“When families are involved in the conversation, we can do our best to meet the patient’s wishes.
“Sometimes, families have different opinions about the care, and decisions about the care, of their loved ones. This is where I’d find myself in the middle of a dilemma, but experience helps you work with everyone to find the best path.”
Looking back, Sally is reflective about her journey: “I never imagined I’d still be in the NHS after starting as an 18-year-old nursing student.”
In retirement, Sally plans to dedicate more time to her passion projects. She currently owns a guide dog stud involved in a breeding programme for Guide Dogs UK. With extra free time, she also intends to enjoy more walking and sports while exploring countryside trails in the Peak District.
Sally Moore’s career is a testament to compassion, adaptability, and the enduring value of patient-centred care.