A LONG-serving NHS worker has retired from Bromsgrove's hospital after more than 40 years' service.

Sheila Stokes was ward manager at the Princess of Wales Community Hospital's rehabilitation unit. She retired last Thursday.

Sheila was fundamental in setting up the stroke unit and day hospital, originally located at Bromsgrove General Hospital, before moving to the Princess of Wales, where she has worked for 13 years.

Sheila qualified in mid-Worcester having completed her training at Kidderminster and Bromsgrove hospitals.

During her working life she has been to south Worcestershire as a staff nurse on an orthopaedic ward and was staff nurse and relief sister on various wards at Bromsgrove General Hospital.

Primary Care Trust chairman Graham Vickery said: "Sheila is a credit to the NHS. In recent years she has made a significant contribution to the development of the Princess of Wales Community Hospital through the stroke unit and the rehabilitation unit. She will be missed by staff and patients alike."