Perioperative Practice
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: l Harness experience: Older practitioners provide stability, mentorship, and practical knowledge that enhances patient care.
l Support returners: Those returning to healthcare bring valuable skills and perspective.
l Succession planning is essential: Experienced staff are critical to training and supporting the next generation.
l 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.
CSJ
About the Author
Susan Preston is the Marketing Manager at The Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP). With over 30 years’ experience in journalism, marketing, PR, and communications, she brings a wealth of expertise and strategic insight to her role. Known for her collaborative approach and results-driven mindset, Susan also enjoys golf, skiing, and creative pursuits in her spare time.
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www.clinicalservicesjournal.com I March 2026
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