Tributes are being paid to Meg Turner, a devoted nurse and trainer whose career in healthcare spanned more than three decades, following her death at the age of 79.
A Dedicated Career in Nursing and Care
Meg Turner's journey into nursing began in 1964 when she started her training to become a state registered nurse at the Tunbridge Wells School of Nursing in Kent. Her professional path took her to several key institutions, including the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton. She later undertook midwifery training in Taunton, Somerset.
In 1970, she reached a significant milestone, becoming a ward sister at Dorchester hospital, which is now known as Dorset County Hospital. It was here she met her future husband, who was working in the hospital kitchen at the time. The couple married in 1971.
Memorable Stories from the Ward
Throughout her later life, Meg was known for entertaining friends with a rich collection of anecdotes from her time on the wards. One memorable tale involved a patient who, during a ward round attended by the hospital almoner from a county family, struggled to her feet and performed a curtsy, leaving even the consultant surprised by this display of traditional Dorset deference.
On another occasion, the writer and broadcaster Kenneth Allsop, while a patient, took it upon himself to correct the English on his own discharge form.
Life and Work in Wales
In 1978, Meg and her family relocated to south-west Wales after her husband secured a lecturing post at Pembrokeshire College in Haverfordwest. With two young children, Meg returned to part-time nursing in 1980, working on a care of the elderly ward at Withybush Hospital.
Her career evolved further when she left the NHS to become matron of Langton Hall, a residential home in Fishguard. Demonstrating a commitment to improving care standards, she gained a teaching certificate and moved into training care workers. She lectured at Pembrokeshire College and for organisations such as Rathbone Community Industry.
Meg retired in 1999. Despite increasing immobility in later years, she remained actively involved in community life, joining the local Women’s Institute and the University of the Third Age. Her passions for poetry, crafts, crosswords, and word games brought joy to countless friends and were maintained almost until her passing. She was bedbound with arthritis for her final three years.
Born in Carlisle to Clarisse (nee Moorhouse) and Jack Burgess, a decorator, Meg was raised in the East Sussex village of Five Ashes and attended Heathfield secondary school.
She is survived by her husband, their daughter Saffrwn, son Edryd, and grandchildren Briallu, Eilir, Gwenllian and Delun.
