Healthcare worker retires after 47 years on unit

Carol Brown (centre) started her career at New Cross Hospital, aged 18

A healthcare worker has retired after working on a hospital unit for more than 45 years.

Carol Brown, 66, from Cannock, Staffordshire, started her career at Wolverhampton's New Cross Hospital, at the age of 18.

She said the main reason for working on the neonatal unit for such a long time was down to the close group of friends that she had made.

"I will miss the girls massively and we speak about all the good times we've had," she said.

Since joining the NHS in September 1976, Ms Brown has worked in different roles like housekeeping and an auxiliary nurse for the unit.

The grandmother vividly remembers her first day at the hospital as being very nerve-racking, especially after being asked to feed a baby for the first time.

Ms Brown's friends and colleagues describe her as "truly loyal" and she will be "sorely missed"

Angela Luton-Morrison, a close friend and colleague for 42 years, described Ms Brown as a mother-figure and a shoulder to lean on.

"She’s a truly loyal colleague and friend who will be greatly missed," she said.

Ms Brown plans to spend her retirement looking after her dad along with visiting her caravan in Caerwys, North Wales.

"I don't think my retirement has really sunk in yet, I've always joked about it," she added.