A lifetime of care: Nurse Margaret Toye bids farewell after six decades in Coleraine

Margaret Toye pictured with district nursing colleagues.

A much-loved nurse has been honoured in Coleraine after an extraordinary career spanning more than six decades.

Colleagues, friends and family gathered on Friday (26 September) to celebrate the retirement of Margaret Toye, a highly respected member of Team North at the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, who dedicated 62 years of her life to nursing.

Margaret, who first began training in 1963 before qualifying in 1965, has spent her career caring for patients in Coleraine, Portstewart and the wider community.

After initially retiring in 2011, she returned to service as a Bank Nurse, continuing in the role for a further 14 years.

At the event, Margaret was presented with a prestigious Greatix award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to healthcare.

Reflecting on her remarkable career, Margaret said:

“I was drawn to nursing because of my desire to give care and help others in their time of need.

“I’ve been fortunate to work alongside incredible colleagues through countless experiences and with thousands of patients. Their trust and resilience has taught me a lot.

“In my career I have witnessed many changes in the world of healthcare from new technologies to evolving patient needs. The healthcare system has changed immeasurably but core nursing, the compassion, care and the simple act of being there for someone in their time of need, remains constant.

“It has been an incredible honour to serve in this profession and I am truly grateful for every moment of this remarkable journey.

“Giving my best years to this noble career is something I will never regret – I will miss you all.”

Margaret pictured with district nursing colleagues.

Margaret’s journey saw her move from ward nursing into community healthcare in 1978. Alongside her professional duties, she continued to study, completing a conversion course and a teaching and learning programme before graduating in 1999 with an Honours Degree in Community Nursing.

Katrina McAdams, Deputy Nurse Bank Manager, praised her dedication and impact:

“Margaret is simply one of a kind, and all of us have benefited from having her as a trusted colleague and friend through the years.

“Margaret has dedicated her entire life to nursing, and she embodies everything that a nurse should strive to be.

“On behalf of Margaret’s colleagues, I want to say one big thank you to her. She is an inspiration to all of us and while we will miss her reassuring presence, we all wish her the most well-deserved, long and happy retirement.”

Margaret leaves behind a legacy of compassion, commitment and professionalism that has touched the lives of thousands of patients and colleagues across the decades.