Nurse 'proud' to celebrate 50 years of service

Angie O'Sullivan has been described as an asset by North West Anglia Foundation NHS Trust

An NHS nurse said she was “proud” of her career as she celebrated 50 years of service.

Angie O’Sullivan, 68, works as a hip fracture practitioner at Peterborough City Hospital and started her career in June 1974.

She started nursing training at Peterborough District Hospital School of Nursing, when she was only 18, and has cared for thousands of local patients over the years.

Ms O’Sullivan recalled her first day at work and said it was “unforgettable” as it had snowed despite it being a summer day.

Reflecting on her first year of nursing, she said it was a memorable one in history.

Glam rock was in full swing, the UK held two general elections after voters could not decide at the first poll, Lord Lucan disappeared and the first McDonald's restaurant in the UK opened in London.

“I always knew that I wanted to have a hands-on job helping people and was told I’d never make it as a nurse, so I tried my hand at hairdressing, which I didn’t enjoy," she said.

"I thought I’d prove everyone wrong and train as a nurse and haven’t looked back in 50 years.

“I’m really proud to say I’m still working full-time hours, in a job that I love. In my profession it is so important to treat patients the way you would want your loved ones, or yourself, to be treated.

"Here’s to the next 50 years.”

Jo Bennis, chief nurse at North West Anglia Foundation Trust (NWAFT), which runs Peterborough City, Hinchingbrooke and Stamford and Rutland Hospitals, said: “We feel privileged to have Angie as part of our nursing team.

"She has built an amazing wealth of knowledge over the years, which is such a bonus for our patients as well as Angie’s colleagues.

"Congratulations to Angie on her 50 years’ of nursing. We hope to be working with her for many more.”