Former nurses return to Cambridge hospital after qualifying 70 years ago

Two Cambridgeshire care home residents recently had their wish fulfilled when they revisited the hospital where they both trained as nurses more than 70 years ago.

Pauline Wayman, 94, and Peri Mundell, 89, both residents at Care UK’s Field Lodge, on London Road, were delighted to return to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge to reconnect with their past and see how it has evolved over the years. 

Pauline, from Rampton, Cambridgeshire, and Peri, originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, both began their nursing careers at Addenbrooke’s in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Pauline qualified in 1948, the same year the NHS was founded, while Peri trained in 1952, the year of Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation. Their paths first crossed in the early stages of their training, with both women sharing fond memories of their time at the hospital.

Pauline went on to become a ward sister in various parts of the hospital and was involved in planning and training in Bloomsbury, London. She recalls that one of the most unusual parts of her career was her involvement in being a planning officer and chief nursing officer, which she never imagined doing.

Peri worked as a theatre sister and later became a nursing home Matron. She fondly remembers her time training with Pauline – and even had the pleasure of interviewing Pauline during her training.

Their recent visit to Addenbrooke’s was an emotional and nostalgic occasion. Both Pauline and Peri had extensive careers in nursing, with Pauline later working with the homeless through the Bloomsbury Health Authority, and Peri dedicating her life to nursing before retiring to care for her husband.

Reflecting on their visit, Peri said, “It was such a wonderful experience to return to Addenbrooke's Hospital, where it all began for us, to reflect on our careers – and it was truly an emotional reunion. It felt like coming home.”

The visit was part of the Care UK’s Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages residents to put their wishes forward, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or try something completely new – from flying on a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.

Linda Martinez, Home Manager at Field Lodge, said: “Pauline and Peri’s visit to Addenbrooke’s Hospital was such a special moment for everyone at Field Lodge. It was an incredible opportunity for them to revisit a place that was so significant in their lives and careers. Seeing the joy on their faces as they reflected on their time nursing there was truly heartwarming.”

Field Lodge is a modern, purpose-built care home providing full-time residential, nursing, and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has a choice of lounges and dining rooms, as well as its own activity room, cinema, and hair salon.