Local Nurse Trish Gwennap Celebrates 50 Years Serving the People of Penzance

The people of Penzance have celebrated a heartwarming milestone as nurse Trish Gwennap was honoured for dedicating 50 years to caring for her community through the NHS.

Half a Century of Compassion

Trish’s colleagues surprised her with cake, flowers, and a long service certificate from NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, recognising her incredible half century of service in Penzance.

Reflecting on the surprise celebration, Trish said:

“I’m totally blown away, I had no idea this was happening, it’s amazing. It has been an honour to serve this community. I’ve had the most amazing career, and I love coming to work every day.”

Honouring a Lifetime of Service

Susan Bracefield, Acting Chief Executive and Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, joined the celebrations and paid tribute to Trish’s dedication.

“Trish represents the wonderful staff we have across the NHS, who care passionately about their patients and serve their local communities. I’m delighted to be able to join her to celebrate her half century in the NHS.

This milestone recognises Trish’s commitment and also highlights the dedication, compassion, and professionalism of NHS staff across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”

Dr John Ryan, GP Partner at Atlantic Medical Group, also shared his appreciation for Trish’s contribution to the local community.

“Trish is such a fantastic and valued member of the team. She has a wonderful manner and is loved by colleagues and patients alike. It’s just great to be celebrating Trish’s 50 years working in her local community.”

A Career Spanning Generations

Trish’s career in healthcare began in 1975 as a hospital domestic at St Michael’s Hospital in Hayle. She later became a healthcare assistant at West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance before training as a student nurse in Essex.

Her journey has included a range of nursing roles, most notably as a nurse and sick children’s nurse at West Cornwall Hospital, where she served for 43 years. Since 2005, Trish has continued her commitment to patient care as a practice nurse at a GP surgery in Penzance.

Among her proudest moments, Trish recalled seeing a former patient she once cared for go on to become a qualified nurse — inspired by her own example and compassion.

Trish remains a trusted and familiar face in Penzance, caring for generations of patients and earning admiration from both her colleagues and the wider community.