Mary begins retirement after 45 years' of service to Lincolnshire's NHS

Time has passed by 'very quickly', according to one long-serving NHS staff member who has clocked up an amazing 45 years of public service.

A well-earned retirement is now on the cards for Mary Nelson following the long career, which started out at the Health Department of Holland County Council on January 1, 1974.

Boston-based Mary, who has been working as a senior information analyst for Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS), says her work has been varied over the years.

"I started out as a shorthand typist and receptionist in Boston," explained Mary. "Approximately half of my NHS career has been working alongside and supporting our clinical staff and the other half has been in corporate services working within information management."

Mary's career has seen her base move around the county from Boston to Sleaford, Lincoln and to Boston again.

Mary said: "I have met some real characters, especially in my roles as receptionist and clinic supervisor, when I worked with clinical services. I have worked with and for some extremely interesting and lovely people over the years and would possibly not be where I am today without their support and encouragement.

"It was one of my nursing officer line managers in 1987 who persuaded me to undertake the Institute of Health Services Management training, and, in 1997, it was my director of finance who supported and mentored me with my post graduate diploma in Management Studies."

Mary says she won't be bored with her retirement, with plans for work on her house, relaxing holidays and plenty of other things on the horizon.

Andrew Morgan, chief executive of LCHS, said: "The NHS is built on a foundation of dedicated, consciencious and caring people, and Mary is testament to that. We offer her our thanks and congratulations on committing more than 45 years to serving Lincolnshire's public and our best wishes on her retirement."