A nurse celebrating half a century of service in the NHS has looked back on the defining moments of her career and how much the health service has changed.

Throughout her career, Rosie Felton has loved looking after people and described the past five decades as a “brilliant journey”.

The 67-year-old says she always knew the job was something she wanted to do.

“I always used to say ‘When I grow up, I want to be a nurse’,” she said.

On December 10, 1973, the Rochester resident began her training at Berwick Infirmary in her home county, Northumberland.

Three years later she moved down South, completed her qualification and has been working for Medway NHS Foundation Trust ever since.

“I’ve just stuck by it – I love it. I just get such a lot of enjoyment from the care that I give to patients – I haven’t had a bad one,” she said.

Rosie says being honest with patients is key to the job.

“One of the main things is communication with them, keep them informed all the time.

“Even if there is a little bit of a delay, keep them informed and they will respect you for that.”

Her approach has left her at the receiving end of praise from those who she cares for and colleagues.

She currently represents the Sunderland Day Case Centre team as clinical sister and trains other nurses, as well as students.

But it is her time working as a urology nurse specialist at Medway Maritime that means the most to her.

She added: “I was one of the only nurses at the time to hold a degree in my speciality and have a research paper published in the British Journal of Urology.

“I was chuffed to bits.

“I’ve also run my own clinics, worked alongside all urology consultants and just gained such a lot of experience and I can put that into use, even now where I work.”

During the 50 years she has been in service, Rosie says she has witnessed many changes and being flexible is needed for the role.

“Adapting to the times is also important - a lot has changed and you’ve got to be adaptable.

“There’s quite a lot now on computers and learning these skills.”

Looking back on her journey. she said a memorable moment comes from a picture that was taken when she was a sister at St Barts Hospital in Rochester.

“I was sat in front of a drinks trolley – we were having a drink when the patients were having their meals.

“There were bottles of sherry and others and we used to go round and give patients a drink before their Christmas meal.

“I mean you’d never dare do that nowadays,” she laughed.

I mean you’d never dare do that nowadays

But Rosie says, the patients loved the gesture and that moment stands out, particularly for her.

To celebrate her milestone achievement, Rosie was surprised with gifts, flowers and a special display by friends and colleagues at an event in her honour.

Medway NHS chief executive Jayne Black said: “Rosie is an inspiration and her knowledge and experience is invaluable – we are extremely thankful for the years of commitment she has shown.”

Rosie added: “If I could go back to the start of my NHS journey I would do it all over again. I am still enjoying it immensely.

“I’m so proud – I hope to inspire other nurses to do similar.

“It just goes to show that if you really love your job and you get satisfaction from it, you can carry on for a long time.”