A CONTRACEPTION and sexual health nurse from the Ribble Valley has reached a milestone of 50 years service in the NHS.

Langho resident Jenny Grimes started her nursing career in 1964 at Manchester Royal Infirmary.

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After achieving her nursing qualification, she worked in a variety of roles including surgical wards, coronary care and school nursing as well as working in service management.

The mum-of-three and grandmother-of-six has worked at Clitheroe Clinic in Clitheroe every Wednesday evening since 1979 as a nurse within the Contraception and Sexual Health Service.

The 69-year-old is originally from Belfast and came to England to undertake nursing training.

She said: “My main recollection of my training and early career is that cleanliness was paramount on the wards.

“This was overseen by a matron who was inevitably a formidable figure who commanded respect from all the nurses.

“On her daily rounds she would pick on one nurse to introduce her to all the patients on the ward; there were no excuses for not knowing every patient.

“At the weekends, if nurses had any spare time we were expected to help clean the ward, making sure the clinical room was immaculate.

“I have had a wonderful career and I have made so many friends. I have seen many innovative and pioneering changes brought in to the NHS to better the healthcare of patients. I am extremely proud of my career to be part of such a wonderful organisation.”

Sue Capstick, Contraception and Sexual Health Service manager at Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust said: “Jenny brings a wealth of experience to the team and we are privileged to have her.

“She is extremely dedicated and her enthusiasm for the job shines through in everything she does.

“On behalf of everyone within the service, I would like to say well done to Jenny on reaching such an outstanding milestone, and thank you for all your hard work.”