Susan Affleck
Head of Nursing, Paediatrics, St George’s Hospital London
Sue started her career in nursing in 1980 in Glasgow at age 17. She started her training as Adult Enrolled Nurse, working in Gynae at St Andrews Hospital Scotland. She then returned to Glasgow in 1984 to complete her RGN conversion in adults, then few years later completed her paeds conversion in 1988. In 1990 she moved to London and over the next 4 years worked at staff nurse and ward manager at St Mary’s, Westminster Children’s and Chelsea & Westminster Hospitals.
In 1994 she was head hunted to move over to St George’s Hospital by one of the Paediatric surgeons here at the time to support children with bladder and bowel dysfunction. She has worked at St George’s hospital for 28 years working as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Paediatric Continence as part of the children’s community nursing team. She later became Team Leader for Paediatric Continence team, and is finishing her career as Head of nursing for Paediatrics.
Sue is always happy and smiling even on the dullest of days. Her patients come first – she goes above and beyond for everyone both patients and staff. Her patients (and staff) adore her and she has formed lasting bonds, supporting families through difficult diagnoses often given ante natally and consequent treatments to manage Continence through childhood into adulthood and thus hugely impacting on Children’s self-esteem, confidence and family life. She has worked on national steering groups fighting to get Paediatric Continence on the agenda and developed national standards and protocols for excellent care.
Her warmth, compassion and kindness shines through her every move. She is a fountain of knowledge and has time for everyone. She has carried us through difficult times and often puts herself on the frontline to support her staff and patients. She is a true embodiment of what it means to be a nurse. She has been awarded numerous awards recognising her contributions to nursing.
Sue’s dedication to the profession deserves recognition by entry into book of honour.
On your retirement Sue, we honour you, your hard work, compassion and professionalism and dedication to nursing. You will leave a big void at St George’s hospital but you deserve this more than anyone and we wish you the happiest and healthiest retirement ahead.
From your team
Paediatric Continence
Urology/Gastro
