Posted on: 29 March 2023
CNWL is preparing to say goodbye to Dorothy Gordon, who is retiring after more than 30 years with the NHS and prison service.
Affectionately known to her colleagues as Dotty, she started her career at HMP Holloway, where she worked for 25 years.
When Holloway closed down, she was welcomed to HMP Downview as the Infection Control Link Nurse.
She was in this crucial role during the Covid-19 pandemic and, despite having to overcome some of her own health issues, she worked tirelessly and has continued to support the team right up until her retirement.
“Dotty is a real trooper,” said Deborah Anderson, Primary Care Service Lead for CNWL’s Health and Justice Directorate
“She’s loved by all of us and she’s going to leave a massive void in primary care.”
Her warmth and kindness made Dotty a favourite among colleagues and the prisoners alike.
“She’s done more time in prison than many of the lifers she treated during her career,” added Deborah.
“Prisoners remember her from their times in Holloway and she is regarded fondly for her warm, caring nature.
“I know it sounds a bit cliché, but Dotty is genuinely a warm, caring person who never judges anyone and always works to the best of her ability for her patients.”
Dotty officially retires on Friday 31 March and there will be a buffet lunch at the chapel at Downview between 12.30pm and 1.30pm to send her off in style.