TWO nurses have retired after clocking up more than 50 years at an Oxford hospital between them.

Pat Redman, 60, from Bicester, and Sadie Meynell, 65, from Headington, have been staff nurses at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington since the 1970s.

During their time at the hospital they have cared for hundreds of rheumatology patients.

Ms Redman began her career at the NOC in 1977 after coming to Oxford from Jamaica in the 1960s and training to be a nurse. She said: “There has been lots of change over the years. Some of it has been good, and some not so good.

“It was all very different back in the 1970s.

“In those days we had the old Radcliffe Infirmary and the Cowley Road Hospital which of course are no longer standing.

”I have had lots of fun over the years with my colleagues and must have treated hundreds and hundreds of patients.”

The great-grandmother, who used to live in Blackbird Leys and Cowley, said she was looking forward to some leisure time now her working life was over.

She said: “I think I will probably just chill for a bit. I have really enjoyed working at the hospital, but I am looking forward to spending time with my family now.”

Mrs Meynell added: “I have loved working at the NOC and have seen many changes over the years.

“We have always worked as close-knit nursing team and one that I have been proud to be part of. I shall certainly miss all my colleagues and the spirit on Ward D.”

Ward D manager Louise Flaxman thanked the two women and wished them a long and happy retirement.

She said: “Throughout their time on Ward D, both nurses have been able to pass on support and knowledge of rheumatology to junior nurses who have just started their career.”

awilliams@oxfordmail.co.uk