A NURSE at Basildon Hospital who has clocked up over 50 years of service in the NHS, the majority of those years caring for children, plans to keep going strong.

Marian Bottjer began her career in the NHS in 1972 at the age of 18, making this her 52nd year of treating patients in mid and south Essex.

She began as an Auxiliary Nurse at Broomfield Hospital, moved to St John's Hospital in 1981, and has been a part of the Basildon Hospital team for the past 35 years, starting there in 1989.

Throughout her impressive career, Marian explored various specialties, but since coming to Basildon, she has dedicated herself entirely to paediatrics due to her love for children and young people.

Marian Bottjer began work as a teenage nurse.

Marian said: "Much has changed over the years, but the core aspect of the role of a nurse remains the same, which is caring for patients.

"I feel it is one of the greatest privileges in the world to be part of children's care and seeing them get better and making parents smile keeps me going. I would really encourage NHS staff to consider working in paediatrics, especially younger colleagues, because it really is the best job."

The mother of three and grandmother of five from Wickford engages with children in her care like they are her family, making them feel at ease and comfortable during their hospital stay.

She goes the extra mile by offering parents tea, giving emotional support and assuring them that their children are in capable hands.

Having turned 70 in March, Marian has always chosen to forego senior roles so that she can spend more time on the wards with her patients.

Marian Bottjer when she began her career in the NHS.

Jerusha Murdoch-Kelly, Head of Nursing and Quality for Children and Young People's Services at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Marian is one of the kindest and most compassionate nurses that you will ever meet. She will make new staff members feel incredibly welcome, and she loves mentoring student nurses.

"Basildon Hospital's children services are a better place for having Marian as part of the team."