'It has been a privilege to have a lifelong career in the NHS'

'NATURAL' NURSE RETIRES AFTER 50 YEARS AND HOPES TO BE 'REMEMBERED WITH A SMILE'

- By KIRSTIE MCCRUM

A NURSE has retired from her role after 50 years with the NHS in the North East.

Christine Turner started her NHS career as a domestic assistant at 16 in 1975. She later trained as a mental health nurse and helped to pioneer significant changes in care delivery.

Throughout her career, the mum-of-two, an advanced practitioner with Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, has been involved in many innovative and front-line projects.

"It has been a privilege to have a lifelong career in the NHS, there have been so many highlights, so many great memories," she said.

Christine, who was a "bit of a rebel" as a teenager, left school in 1975 with "just a couple of O Levels" and no clear plans for her future.

Her mum Barbara, then a domestic assistant at Stockton's North Tees Hospital, helped her land a job on the same team - and Christine has worked for the NHS ever since.

"My mum ended up being the longest serving domestic assistant at the hospital when she retired, and I'm delighted I've made it to my 50-year mark," said Christine.

"That first job really opened my eyes to the world of the NHS. I worked on a ward for the elderly with mental ill health and loved it. My charge nurse said I was a natural."