It was the year of the last great flood of Bath when a young Brenda Oliveira started work at the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases (RNHRD).
Tom Jones was in the charts with Delilah, Lyndon Johnson was US president, the world had its first sighting of a jumbo jet – and Brenda had no idea how long her new career would last.
The answer – an amazing fifty years, and counting. All at the RNHRD, known as the Min, all as a health care assistant and all on the night shift.
Brenda, 82, said: “It suited me when my children were little, and I just got used to it. I feel very proud that I’ve worked here for so long – I never planned it, but as the years went by I’ve never thought of leaving.”
Brenda was guest of honour at a celebration team party at the Min, where family, friends and colleagues raised a toast and presented her with flowers, a long service certificate and commemorative glass award.
James Scott, Chief Executive of the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Many congratulations to Brenda on this amazing and unique achievement. We thank her for her dedication over so many years and her continued enthusiasm for her work.”
Amanda Pacey, RNHRD Matron, said: “Other matrons and sisters I speak to are amazed at Brenda’s story and so envious that she has stayed with us for so long. I think it’s because of the sort of family we are here, we always rely on each other and help each other. One matron remembered a time when we were short-staffed on New Year’s Eve and Brenda, of course, stepped in to help out at short notice.”
Senior Sister, Andreia Ferreira, said: “Brenda’s a legend and an inspiration to us all. She’s always cheerful and friendly to staff and patients – and even on her days off she comes in to see us with little treats to eat.”