Tess Bateman

Tess Bateman is a nurse who worked at the Emergency Department of Holby City Hospital from 2003 to 2015. Her job over the years has been that of a staff nurse and former Clinical Nurse Manager.

In 2015, Tess left her job at the ED after almost 12 years. She is now retired, supporting her son and his baby.

Early life
As a third generation Jamaican, brought up in Cardiff, Tess is a traditionalist; if there's a rule book then she's swallowed it. She may be viewed as a kill-joy and inflexible, but her heart is in the right place - rules are there for a reason: the wellbeing and safety of the ED and its staff.

Time in the Emergency Department (2003-2015)
Tess joined the department in 2003, and left in 2015 due to having to help her son look after his child.

Personal life
Tess has two children with her ex-husband Mike; Sam and Saskia. In 2015, Sam revealed to Tess during a surprise arrival to the ED that she had become a grandmother. He named the baby Charlie.

Trivia

 * She was devastated when Mike, her husband of 20 years, filed for divorce.
 * Loves spending time with her family.
 * Has a son called Sam, who has Bipolar Disorder.
 * Was there for Charlie when he faced a difficult decision about whether to assist in Megan's suicide.
 * She resigned as Clinical Nurse Manager when she was made the scapegoat over the death of a little boy, but she was later reinstated.

Behind the scenes
Suzanne Packer portrayed Tess Bateman in Casualty from 2003 to 2015. Tess left the regular cast and her role at the ED in the episode Knock Knock Who's There? which aired on 15 August 2015. However, she returned briefly in the following episode, making that her final appearance.

Appearances

 * See also: Character appearances.

Tess made her first appearance in Casualty in the series 18 episode End of the Line - Part 1 and her final ever appearance in the series 29 episode Forsaking All Others - Part One.