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Joan just loves breaking down barriers
There's no stopping mental health ward manager Joan O'Hanlon.
At 72, she might just be one of the oldest full-time nurses in St Helens - but age is proving no barrier to Joan.
The grandmother-of-10 still works full-time as ward manager at the Stewart Assessment Centre on Marshalls Cross Road in Peasley Cross, and loves every minute of it.
She said: "I was 48 when I qualified because I only trained late after having a secreterial background. I wanted to take on something challenging but rewarding at the same time. I don't even see it as a job - I never wake up and wish I wasn't going into work and I dread the day I won't be able to go in.
"I feel fit and healthy and work with lots of young people who help me to have a younger outlook. I think a lot of people think I'm 20 years younger than I am! Hopefully I can stay here for another 20 years."
Born and bred in Prescot, Joan manages the dementia assessment ward - run by the Five Boroughs Partnership NHS Trust.
The mother-of-five uses assessment tools to gauge each patient's mental state and she and her team of staff can accommodate up to 20 patients at any one time.
Patients presenting at the ward with confusion often spend four to six
weeks at the Stewart Assessment Centre.
Joan, who even worked at the ward before the current building opened in 1990, added: "You need to be very fair in this job and be a good role model who is able to motivate staff and patients alike. I love being able to help set the standards and pride myself on always treating all our patients with the respect and dignity they deserve.
"My friends and family are very proud of me too. I think they're just amazed at how much I love what I do."
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Weather for St Helens
Sunday 26 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 8 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 9 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: South
