HOSPITAL is where the heart is for one Blackpool nurse as she returns to her post after a TWENTY-year break.

Doreen Gallagher first worked at Blackpool Victoria Hospital from 1972-80 and then left to raise her family.

But the calling to care for people never went away as Doreen told the Citizen: "My children had grown up and left home and then I heard about the Return To Practice courses being run by the Trust at the Vic.

"I knew I wanted to go back to nursing but I realised the profession had changed, and I did worry about whether I would be able to cope.

"I needn't have worried, though, as the staff were extremely supportive and I soon got back in the swing of things. Some things have changed, such as the volume of paperwork. There's also a lot more legal stuff now, and the technology of the drips and things has really moved on. But the basic nursing skills haven't changed and never will."

Doreen, pictured here, is now back on women's Ward B where her life experience is worth its weight in gold as she added: "Being an older woman who has had children I know just how the patients feel, and a bit of me always needs to be caring for somebody.

" I would say to anyone considering the Return To Practice course to go for it. I am enjoying every minute of being back at work."

The Return To Practice course covers current health care needs, health promotion, ethical and legal issues, health and safety and revision of clinical skills. The next course, which is run in partnership between the Trust and the University of Central Lancashire, starts on February 9, 2001.

Applicants should ring Susan Watson on (01253) 303561/306811 or Sue Lawn on (01253) 303622.