THE North Cumbria Integrated Care (NCIC) trust has bid farewell to the 'face of West Cumberland Hospital' ahead of her retirement. 

Operational change manager Yvonne Fairbairn retired from the trust on Friday (August 2), ending a 26-year career that began in February 1998.

Yvonne started as a medical secretary, advancing into various departments and eventually becoming the associate director of operations.

Yvonne had been crucial in the operational management of the WCH redevelopment and was known as the 'go to' resource for 'all things West'.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working here," she said. 

"It is a fantastic place to work.

"The people I have worked with over the years have been amazing and I could not have achieved what I have been able to do without their support.

"Thank you all. I will miss you but I am really looking forward to the next stage of my life," she said. 

The trust wished Yvonne well in her next chapter.