Meg Turner, a dedicated nurse and trainer, passed away at the age of 79, leaving behind a legacy that spanned over three decades in nursing and elderly care. Her commitment to her profession and the countless lives she touched stand as a testament to her character and passion for helping others.
Born in Carlisle, Meg was the daughter of Clarisse (née Moorhouse) and Jack Burgess, a decorator. She grew up in the small village of Five Ashes in East Sussex, where she attended Heathfield Secondary School. In 1964, she began her training as a state registered nurse at the Tunbridge Wells School of Nursing in Kent. This marked the beginning of her extensive career in healthcare.
After completing her training, Meg worked at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton and underwent midwifery training in Taunton, Somerset. By 1970, she had become a ward sister at Dorchester Hospital, now known as Dorset County Hospital, where her experiences provided rich stories that entertained friends for years to come. One memorable incident involved a patient who, during a ward round that included the hospital almoner from a prominent county family, rose to her feet and curtsied, surprising even the consultant present.
In 1971, Meg married her husband, who had been working in the hospital kitchen at the time they met. The couple relocated to south-west Wales in 1978, where he took on a lecturing position at Pembrokeshire College in Haverfordwest. Meg returned to part-time nursing in 1980 at Withybush Hospital, focusing on elderly care. Later, she became the matron of a residential home at Langton Hall in Fishguard.
Meg’s career took a pivotal turn when she earned a teaching certificate, allowing her to train care workers. She lectured at Pembrokeshire College and collaborated with various training organizations, including Rathbone Community Industry. Her dedication to education and training significantly impacted the quality of care in the region.
Following her retirement in 1999, Meg faced health challenges, becoming increasingly immobile due to arthritis. Despite this, she actively participated in community life, joining the local Women’s Institute and the University of the Third Age. Her love for poetry, crafts, crosswords, and word games remained strong until her final years.
Meg Turner is survived by her husband, their daughter Saffrwn, son Edryd, and grandchildren Briallu, Eilir, Gwenllian, and Delun. Her contributions to nursing and care training have left an indelible mark on the lives she touched, ensuring her legacy will endure.
