Lung-tastic farewell for Denise | News

Denise Daley, Physiotherapy Consultant, received a warm send-off from Royal Surrey friends and colleagues as she celebrated 40 years working at the Trust.

After joining the Trust aged 21, Denise specialised in respiratory medicine and became an expert in this field, advising regional teams and taking on a district role. In the role, she became one of the first physiotherapists in the country trained to carry out bronchoscopies.

Denise was also among one of just a few physios to become a consultant therapist, advising and teaching across the district.

She set up the NIV service (later renamed the sleep service) and respiratory outreach to those patients, often oxygen/ventilator dependent who were being managed at home, enabling them to be looked after in their place of choice. In the last few years Denise has been pivotal in the Trust’s Covid-19 response and the ability to manage a number of patients without invasive  ventilation on CPAP machines.

To celebrate Denise’s respiratory outreach work, a talented member of the Physiotherapy Team made a breath-taking cake in the shape of a pair of lungs.

Denise said: "I’m looking forward to my retirement but sad at the thought of no longer working with my colleagues, particularly the Sleep Team. I’m so proud of them and the work they do.

“I’m a really keen cyclist so I plan to take on some cycle race challenges and improve on my personal bests.”

Sam Towers, Head of Physiotherapy, thanked Denise for her commitment and hard work: “Over the years many nurses, doctors and physios have been taught and inspired by Denise. We wish her all the best in the future and thank her for her dedicated service to the Trust.”