A much-loved nurse’s decision to change jobs has left patients and colleagues so distraught they have set up an internet group to persuade her to stay.

Jackie Constable is due to leave the Om Medical Centre in Wood Street, Sheerness, on Thursday next week before taking up a new position at St George’s Medical Centre.

Although she is looking forward to the move, patients and colleagues have set up a group on social networking site Facebook to try and persuade her not to go.

Set up as “We don’t want Jackie to leave save our nurse from leaving”, the group has gathered 87 members since it was set up when the news broke she was leaving the practice where she has worked for the past 13 and a half years.

Although flattered, Jackie, 51, who is also Mayor of Queenborough, says she has no intention of changing her mind.

She said: “It is really flattering and lovely to see so many kind messages.

“I was surprised a Facebook site was set up and cried when I saw some of the kind messages.

“I have loved most of my time at the Om but am looking forward to the new challenges.”

Among some of the comments left by well-wishers is one which reads: “We don’t want you to leave Jackie you are the best nurse ever and you have immunised all my four children.”

Another reads: “So sad to see you go Jackie, thank you for everything you have helped me with over the years will really miss you, good luck in whatever you do next take care and be happy.”

Jackie is due to start her new job at the beginning of March, before which she plans to spend a week in the sun.

She said: “I am really looking forward to it, but am going to take a week of before I start to go somewhere hot. It will be different at St George’s but I am definitely looking forward to it.”