A doctor who has been inspirational in the field of cancer care in Worcestershire has retired.

Dr Judy Dale has been the inspiration behind the development of palliative care services across the county since 1999.

She pioneered efforts to improve end-of-life care many years before it became a Department of Health initiative and has ensured that palliative care has remained a priority service in both hospitals - including Worcestershire Royal Hospital and Evesham Community Hospital - and within the community at St Richard's Hospice.

Her colleagues commended her for her total commitment to her work and for the significant impact to patients and their families at the end of their lives.

Candy Cooley, palliative care development manager at Worcestershire Primary Care Trust, said: "There have been many stories, cards and letters from families over the years explaining the impact her calm and professional manner had on their loved one. They would explain how she was always prepared to go the extra mile at any time of day to ensure that they had the best possible care.

"Her legacy is that she has built a strong structure within the cancer service ensuring that people in Worcestershire receive optimum care at the end of their lives."

Mark Jackson, St Richard's Hospice chief executive said: "St Richard's Hospice and the community that it serves owe a huge debt of gratitude to Judy Dale who, as a pioneer in specialist palliative care, has contributed so much to the development and enhancement of all care given to patients suffering from life threatening and incurable diseases across Worcestershire.

As she embarks on her hard-earned retirement, we all know that we will miss her enormous dedication, loyalty, humour and consummate professionalism very greatly indeed."

A retirement ceremony for Dr Dale was held at the Charles Hastings Medical Centre at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.