THERE are not many people who can say they owe a 42-year spotless work attendance record to a daily glass of red wine.

But Bridget Mackey, who lives in Grove, can do just that.

Miss Mackey has been working for the NHS in Oxford since 1968, and in more than four decades has never had a day off ill.

She marked her retirement from her job as a plaster technician at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre yesterday, the same day as her 60th birthday.

And according to the popular staff member, the secret to her good health is simple.

She said: “I put it all down to a good glass of red wine a day.

“There’s nothing better.”

Miss Mackey was studying Home Economics when she started work in the X- Ray department of the Old Radcliffe Infirmary during her summer holidays from college.

But she decided to stick with the NHS and in 1974 moved to the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, where she is now regarded as 'part of the hospital' by fellow staff members.

Since she joined the Headington hospital she said she must have treated thousands of patients, including a few famous names, although her lips are sealed on who.

Miss Mackey said: “I have seen many changes over the years but one of the main ones will have to be the opening of the new hospital building in 2007.

“I shall definitely miss all my colleagues.

“But I will also miss my many patients, some of whom I have dealt with from their childhood right through to their adult years.”

Miss Mackey said she was now looking forward to having some well-earned time off on her hands.

She said: “I plan to travel to both India and Australia during my retirement, and perhaps take up a bit of ice-skating.

“I am also looking forward to spending time in my garden.

“I have been working solidly for more than 40 years, so I am going to make the most of a well-earned break.”

Kelly Dodgson, a member of the communcations team at the NOC, said as one of the longest serving members of staff at the hospital, Miss Mackey had been helping the trust with a heritage project, detailing changes at the hospital over the years from memory.

Miss Dodgson added: “It has been a pleasure working with Bridget.

“She will be missed by so many people.”

Clinical director Karen Barker added: “Bridget will be missed by all those who have worked with her and I wish her all the very best in her retirement and for the future.”

Miss Mackey’s last day at the hospital was marked by a small party and a presentation.