Nurse moves back to former hospital site where she trained

A first-time buyer who trained at Derbyshire Royal Infirmary to become a nurse has moved back to the site, which is now Wavensmere Homes’ £175 million Nightingale Quarter residential scheme.

Karen Hill has enjoyed 38 years with the NHS – and continues to work as a lead nurse for professional standards for the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton.

At the age of 18, she moved into the student nurses’ accommodation on site at the DRI.

She qualified and moved out in 1989, which was 20 years before the NHS vacated the 18.5-acre historic site.

Miss Hill has now become one of the latest Nightingale Quarter residents, where the final phases of 925 houses and apartments are underway.

Her fourth floor two-bedroom apartment is located within the Fox House building, with views looking onto the landscaped gardens and acclaimed Pepperpot restaurant.

She said: “None of my friends and family are surprised that I’ve fallen in love with the Nightingale Quarter development.

“The three years I lived here as a student nurse during the 1980s bring back such fond memories.

“Since that time, it’s been a passion of mine to highlight Florence Nightingale’s influence on Derby.

“I played a part in naming the Florence Nightingale Community Hospital, which is right next door. I was also involved in her plaque tribute at Derby Cathedral and will be helping to organise a commemorative event next May.

“Wavensmere Homes has done a beautiful job of turning the old DRI into a gorgeous residential complex that I feel safe in.

“Living in a new apartment gives me the peace of mind that I won’t need to worry about replacing the boiler or windows, but I would say the best part of living here is the view.

“The hospital ward I worked on was where the Pepperpot restaurant is – and that’s what I can see!”