Nurse gets care award ahead of 80th birthday

Eric Dray is a staff nurse on the post anaesthesia care unit at Royal Stoke University Hospital

A staff nurse who is believed to be the oldest employee at his hospital trust has received a nursing award on the eve of his 80th birthday.

Eric Dray has worked in the NHS for more than 60 years - 53 of them in Stoke-on-Trent.

Mr Dray, based at Royal Stoke University Hospital, was presented with a Daisy Award, which recognises outstanding patient care.

"I love looking after our patients, they are our VIPs," he said.

"During my time in the NHS I have worked in many places, both here in the UK and abroad."

He began as a student nurse in Liverpool in 1965, before moving to Stoke-on-Trent in 1969 when he got married.

In 1971 he started work at North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary on the neurological unit, moved to recovery in 1987, and has remained in that department ever since - caring for patients who have just undergone surgery.

"There isn’t a day where I don’t enjoy my work," said Mr Dray. "I am going to continue to work until someone says I can’t!"

'Role model'

Sister Michelle Fell, part of the recovery team, said: "I remember meeting Eric on one of my first placements at the Royal Infirmary - he was always so kind and compassionate."

Matron for theatres Gareth Hurley described Mr Dray as a role model, paying tribute to his passion for "patients and their care".

"We are extremely proud that Eric has worked with us for over 44 years and we are so thrilled to be able to celebrate this huge milestone birthday with him.” University Hospitals of North Midlands chief nurse Ann-Marie Riley said.