In memory of Friarage Hospital Staff Nurse, Anne Beaty

We recently met the family of Friarage Hospital Staff Nurse, Anne Beaty, who sadly passed away in March at the age of 73. Up until her death, Anne was still working two days a week at the hospital, where she had spent her entire career of 56 years, starting her nurses’ training there at age 18.

Anne was born at Mount Maternity Home in Northallerton and grew up in the town, later attending Allertonshire School. In 1972 she married her devoted husband, Allan, at All Saints Church. They had two boys; Allan and Phillip, and the family later moved to Burneston near Bedale. Her family remember her as a warm and loving person who cared deeply for friends and relatives, and as a doting Gran to her three grandchildren; Allan, Lauren and Jamie, who were the ‘apple of her eye’.

Anne was so well known at the hospital, Northallerton and the surrounding area, meeting many friends and colleagues over her life. Having mainly worked as a staff nurse, she worked her way up to becoming Sister, with her first sisters post on the geriatrics ward at the Friarage. After a while however, Anne decided to go back to being a staff nurse to focus on patient care. Anne worked in many areas of the hospital, most recently in orthopaedics on Gara ward. In 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Anne also worked on medical wards, meeting new colleagues and friends who gained her respect due to her hard-working nature and her years of experience. Colleagues remember Anne being reliable and not afraid to help out, offering to work on Christmas Day every year, and helping colleagues with children when they needed to take time off for appointments or family commitments. As family was so important to Anne she would always put this first.

Anne was known for her love of holidays - cruises in particular - always looking to where she could head to next. After working so hard, Anne relished her well-earned time off to relax in the sun. Allan estimates they went on 14 or 15 cruises together, and although he was reluctant to go the first time, Anne’s persistence paid off and they became hooked on cruises, travelling all over the world to some incredible destinations, and making fond memories on each trip.

Anne’s funeral was held in Northallerton on April 10th, at the same church she and Allan were married in. In a touching mark of respect, colleagues on the Gara ward arranged for the cortege to leave from the Friarage before making its way to the church. The family were astounded to see so many people paying their respects and the service at the church was standing room only. The family all say Anne wouldn’t have wanted such a fuss made about her but that it just goes to show how well thought of she was by all who knew her. Amy Robinson, Gara Award sister said,

“Anne had worked at the trust for more than 50 years and will be desperately missed by everyone, especially her friends and colleagues from the Trauma and Orthopaedics team at the Friarage. Anne was held in high regard by everybody who ever worked with her and will always hold a special place in their hearts.”

The family requested donations be made to Friends of the Friarage, specifically for Gara ward. An incredible £2,370 was raised, which included a generous contribution from the family.

We were so sorry to hear of Anne’s passing when her family let us know donations made in Anne’s memory were for Friends of the Friarage – a fitting choice given Anne’s longstanding service at the hospital. The significant amount raised will be used to enhance patient and staff wellbeing on Gara ward as they see fit.