TWO hospital nurses are looking forward to a well-earned rest after clocking up 50 years of service between them.

Anne Day, 59, and Tessa Kear, 60, both joined Abingdon Community Hospital in 1985.

At a celebration held on their last day yesterday, the pair spoke about the changes they have witnessed throughout the years, including the introduction of computers and an overhaul of their uniform.

Mother-of-two Mrs Day moved to White Horse Crescent in Grove in 1975 after her husband got a job at Culham Research Centre.

She trained at Oswestry Orthopaedic Hospital and said: “Tessa and I have seen a lot of changes throughout the years.

“One thing that strikes me is how much the uniform has changed. Dresses and hats had to be worn, now that’s not the case and we can wear trousers.

“Care has definitely improved and the focus is getting patients back home as quickly as possible where they often feel more comfortable.

“We’ve got lovely memories of our time here, and everyone who works here is quite active socially so I’m sure we’ll stay in touch.”

She added she would be tending to her garden and tracing her family history in her retirement.

Mother-of-two and grandmother-of-one Mrs Kear of Prince Grove, in Abingdon, trained at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London.

She said: “Since I was five I’ve wanted to be a nurse. My grandmother was a matron and my mother was a nurse – it’s in the blood.

“For me the major change throughout our time here has been the move to computers.

“When I was a child I spent five years in Kenya and hope to write a book on my experiences, as well as help take care of my granddaughter.”

At a special presentation they were given bouquets of flowers, homemade cakes and vouchers.

Unit manager Maggie Webb said: “Fifty years is an amazing contribution for two people to make to one community. They will be sadly missed and we wish them well in their retirements.”

bellery@oxfordmail.co.uk