Older practitioners play a vital role in healthcare, bringing experience, perspective, and resilience that enrich teams, mentor younger colleagues, and ensure high standards of patient care. Kim Stephens, the Theatre Matron at Singleton Hospital in Sketty, Wales, is a powerful example, demonstrating how age and experience can enhance leadership and impact across perioperative services.

This Wednesday, October 1st, marks the International Day of Older Persons, a moment to reflect on and celebrate the contributions of older individuals in all walks of life, including the vital work they do in healthcare.

Kim, 61, could have retired at 55, but chose to remain working, and says she hopes to be working until at least 67. She now works three days a week and loves her role.

A career built on passion and commitment

Kim’s journey began as a student nurse, drawn to theatre work from the start. She qualified in June 1986 and has remained in theatres ever since, always working for the Swansea Bay University Health Board, at Neath Port Talbot Hospital, and now at Singleton Hospital. She began as a scrub nurse and has progressed through the ranks. Next year, she will celebrate 40 years in nursing, a milestone reflecting both longevity and unwavering dedication to patient care.

Throughout her career, Kim has embraced change and continuous learning.

Kim says: “Healthcare is constantly evolving. There is always something new to learn, and that’s what keeps it exciting. Every day is different, and you’re always facing new challenges.”

Her experience highlights why older practitioners are invaluable. With age comes perspective: the ability to understand systems, navigate challenges patiently, and mentor colleagues effectively.

“When you’re older, you bring experience. It’s not so much about wanting to change the system but learning to work within it. You develop acceptance that meaningful change takes time, and you can help others navigate challenges with patience and insight.”

Leadership rooted in kindness and fairness

Kim’s leadership philosophy is simple but profound: “Treat people the way you want to be treated. Show kindness and fairness. Take the time to listen; it’s the most important thing.”

She believes that fostering a positive team culture is critical to both staff wellbeing and patient outcomes. This was evident when her team recently completed a staff retention and wellbeing survey, addressing concerns about work-life balance, cost-of-living pressures, and workplace stress.

“It’s important to listen to people and help them balance work and life. A happy, supported team delivers better patient care, and that’s our ultimate goal.”

Kim also emphasises mentoring across all career stages. Age, she says, is never a barrier to development. She became a matron in her late 50s and encourages older practitioners to trust their abilities: “Don’t doubt yourself; you have a lot of experience to give.”

A career highlight: shaping new theatres

One of Kim’s proudest career moments came during the multi-million-pound new-build of a three-orthopaedic-theatre complex at Neath Port Talbot Hospital, undertaken with Swansea Bay University Health Board.

“This project was a real highlight for me. The board genuinely listened to the nursing team throughout, and it was amazing to see our experience and ideas shape the new theatres. Being involved gave me a sense of real contribution and achievement.”

For Kim, this experience not only showcased the value of her expertise but also reinforced how older practitioners can make a lasting impact on healthcare facilities and patient care.

Practitioners like Kim bring stability, mentorship, and practical knowledge, helping maintain standards in complex healthcare environments.

“Teams are becoming diluted in some areas. It’s important that standards are retained, and often it’s the small standards that matter most; attention to detail, consistency, and patient safety.”

She also highlights the importance of succession planning. Her career benefited from guidance by a previous manager, and she now ensures others receive the same support: “Experience isn’t just about doing the job well yourself. It’s about sharing knowledge, mentoring, and making sure the next generation of staff can carry on the standards we’ve worked hard to maintain.”

Age is no barrier

Kim’s story reminds us that age is never a barrier to career progression or achievement. She actively recruits staff committed to theatre work, regardless of age, and emphasises the value of older practitioners: “Look at the experience they bring to the table. Their knowledge and perspective are valuable, and it strengthens teams and patient care. Returners to the profession bring the same benefits; they’ve lived experience and skills that are crucial to the work we do.”

Will Windsor, Deputy Head of Nursing at Swansea Bay University Health Board, and AfPP Trustee, says: “Kim is an outstanding example of the value that experience brings to healthcare. She leads with kindness, fairness, and a genuine passion for supporting her team. Her dedication over nearly four decades has not only shaped the services she works in but has inspired so many colleagues along the way. Kim shows us all that age is no barrier to leadership or growth; her wisdom and energy make her a role model for our profession.”

Finding balance and fulfilment

Outside the theatre, Kim enjoys walking and spending time outdoors, helping maintain balance and wellbeing. She has no regrets about her career and appreciates the flexibility of her now three-day week. She plans to continue working and sharing her expertise, mentoring colleagues, and supporting her teams.

Kim’s story shows that fulfilling work and personal wellbeing are not mutually exclusive. By combining experience, leadership, and a commitment to kindness and fairness, older practitioners can make a lasting impact on their teams and the wider healthcare system.

Lessons for healthcare organisations

Kim’s career offers valuable lessons for health boards and hospitals:

• Harness experience: Older practitioners provide stability, mentorship, and practical knowledge that enhances patient care.
• Support returners: Those returning to healthcare bring valuable skills and perspective.
• Succession planning is essential: Experienced staff are critical to training and supporting the next generation.
• Retain standards: Often, the small standards are the most important, and experienced staff help maintain them.

Older practitioners are not simply sustaining the system, they are shaping its future, supporting teams, and ensuring high standards of care are maintained, even in challenging times.

Celebrating the contributions of older practitioners

Kim Stephens exemplifies the contributions that older healthcare practitioners make every day. Her story reminds us that experience, wisdom, and dedication are invaluable, not just for patient outcomes, but for mentoring colleagues, strengthening teams, and sustaining high standards of care.

Her message is simple yet powerful: “Experience is invaluable. Listen to your teams, value their knowledge, and never underestimate the difference older practitioners can make.”

As healthcare faces increasing pressures, recognising and harnessing the skills of older practitioners has never been more important. Through leadership, mentorship, and dedication, older staff like Kim Stephens ensure healthcare teams are not only effective today but prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

Picture shows Kim with Will.