News release: Printer Stephen impresses the caring profession

Abstract

Former printer Stephen Ball realised a lifetime's ambition this week, when he gained
his Nursing Diploma from the University of Central Lancashire in Preston.
Stephen, 49, who comes from Leyland, picked up his nursing application fonns thirty
years ago but never got around to filling them in. He opted for a job in the printing
profession instead and stayed there until three years ago, when he decided to take the
plunge and go into nursing.
"I realised that there was more to life than just sitting at a computer", says Stephen. "I
had worked in a nursing home for a few years and enjoyed the contact with adults, so I
decided to take it further and finally filled in the application fonns !"
Stephen admits that he found the academic work 'a challenge' at first, but he soon
settled down, enjoyed the support of a good group of his peers and achieved one of the
top marks on the course.
Stephen is currently working on the surgical wards at the Royal Preston Hospital, as
wen as continuing to study for a degree in nursing.
6 December 2001
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Please note: Digital image of Stephen Ball available - please contact Pam Culley,
Media and Prom6tion Office, tel: 01772 892486. Prints may also be available.