A much-loved intensive care nurse at the Cumberland Infirmary has decided to retire after 44 years.

Sue O’Brien is affectionately known as SKOB to colleagues – it stands for Susan Kathryn O’Brien.

Daughter, Katy Allison, said: “She started student nurse training in 1972, qualified December 1975. No one calls her Susan or Sue, all her colleagues know her as SKOB."

Isabel Dawes, a sister in the ITU, said: “We have a saying on intensive care: 'The patient has been SKOB’d', meaning they have been bed bathed, sheets changed and look immaculate in the bed.

“Sue was instrumental in setting up medical device training within the department, adopted the principles and rolled it out across the organisation – we wish her a happy retirement.”

Other colleagues at the hospital said: “Enjoy your new chapter in your life” and “Sue is an amazing nurse who we all aspire to be like.”