A 74-YEAR-OLD woman has received a long service award for 58 years working in the NHS.

Suzie Curtin, from Penarth, started working for the NHS when she was 16 years old – she was a shorthand typist at Llandough Hospital.

“Many years ago, you started as a shorthand typist and, after completing three months on each speciality, you became a medical secretary,” said Ms Curtin.

“It was quite difficult as in those days you had to learn the medical terminology as you went along, whereas now there are medical secretary courses.

“Even now after all these years, there is still new medical terminology you come across.”

Ms Curtin believes that she is the longest serving NHS worked in Wales – for the majority of her 58 years in the NHS she worked at Llandough Hospital, in the gynaecology department.

“In 2014 the women’s unit at Llandough moved over to The University Hospital of Wales,” added Ms Curtin.

“I chose to move with the unit as I still love my job and coming into work. I will always have a soft spot for Llandough Hospital after working there for so long and knowing all the staff - it was like a family.”

Ms Curtin will soon reach a new milestone of 59 years in the NHS – but currently has no plans to retire. She currently works four days a week.

“At present I do not ever think about retirement, as I still love my job as a medical secretary,” she said.

“I think it keeps my brain ticking over – I’m not sure if everyone would agree with that!”