STAFF at a specialist eating disorder clinic in Oxford have paid tribute to a dedicated nurse who is retiring after 35 years of working for the National Health Service.

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, Vanessa Stopp, who served as the clinical nurse specialist and service lead at Cotswold House, had to go without a retirement party.

Colleagues have praised her 'kindness' and 'wisdom'.

A message form all staff, added: “The inpatient, community and out patient staff want to a say a huge thank you for all the support, care and dedication to the staff and patients over the years.

“We would all like to sent our warmest wishes of good luck and heartfelt thanks to Vanessa Stopp our team leader, clinical nurse specialist and friend."

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It continued: “Unfortunately we have had to cancel your retirement party, due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, but we didn’t want you to go without sharing our appreciation and thanks.

“Both friends and colleagues old and new would like to say a huge thank you for all the support you have provided both clinically and personally.

“You will be greatly missed by your friends, your colleagues, and the patients and families that you have supported over the years.

“From all at Cotswold House Eating Disorders Service. Thank you, enjoy your retirement and keep in touch.”

Ms Stopp, who retired on Tuesday, was one of the original members of the team who help set the service up.