Revd Sarah Sewell, lead chaplain at Oxford University NHS Trust, has retired after nearly 30 years.

One of the first women to be ordained as a Church of England priest in 1994, she has had an illustrious career working across multiple NHS trusts.

In 2018, Ms Sewell joined Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) to lead its chaplaincy team, marking almost three decades of dedicated service.

She started her career as a nursery nurse and later became a police officer before taking the bold step into priesthood.

Upon retirement, she reflected on her time in the NHS saying: "Working as a Chaplain in the NHS has been a huge privilege, even when things have been tough.

"It has been an honour to work with such a compassionate team in supporting people – patients, visitors and staff – who need us.

"Helping people through their journey and to be trusted by them means so much to me.

"I hope that I have made a difference to them."

Oxford Mail: Sarah Sewell, who joined the trust in 2018, is celebrating nearly three decades in the NHS

Expressing gratitude to her colleagues, Sarah Sewell added: "Thank you to my colleagues for their support, particularly during difficult times, and I am looking forward to seeing the team build on what we have achieved together."

With plans to be involved in local church and community activities, she also intends to spend more quality time with her family in retirement.

Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery, chair of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, shared his regard for Ms Sewell's work and dedication: "Chaplains are integral members of our healthcare team, employed to care for the pastoral and spiritual needs of the whole hospital community – regardless of their beliefs.

"Sarah has touched many lives and, on behalf of the Trust, I am so thankful for all of her dedicated work over the last five-and-a-half years and for the inspiration she has provided to those she works with and cares for."

Colleague Ruth Fitter, team chaplain, also thanked the retiree for her compassionate service: "Thank you to Sarah on behalf of the Chaplaincy team past and present for the compassion and love she has given.

"Sarah has built a team that is centred on that love, for the benefit of patients, visitors and staff alike."

Sarah Sewell's outstanding career was recently recognised with an award from the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire for her "compassionate and caring leadership over the years".

She continues to inspire many as she "embodies the trust values of compassion, respect, excellence, improvement, delivery, and learning."

Despite her retirement, the OUH chaplaincy team continues to provide round-the-clock support to patients, visitors and staff of all faiths or beliefs across their hospital sites and hospices.