A supervisor at Sheppey Community Hospital has retired after 34 years.

Sheila Phillips, 63, started work at the old site in Wards Hill Road in 1974, and then moved when the new hospital opened in May 2003.

She worked on the men’s medical ward at the old hospital for nine years and after a few other changes, became supervisor of domestic staff when the new site opened in Plover Road.

As a supervisor, Sheila, of Noreen Avenue, Minster, was in charge of many aspects of the domestic staff, including wages, training and office work.

During Sheila’s 34 years at the hospital, she saw many changes in her job particularly with the introduction of computers.

She said: “I had to learn about computers, but fortunately I could type so that helped.

“I’ve learned an awful lot and gained three NVQs in my time there.”

The grandmother-of-four also fondly remembers when the new hospital was opened by Prince Andrew.

She said: “I met Prince Andrew and had my photograph taken with him.

“He was very nice and it was one of the highlights of my career.”

Sheila had a presentation on her last day of work last month and was given a cheque, flowers, a plant pot and a pen.

She plans to spend her retirement relaxing and doing some work in the garden and house with her husband Ron.

Sheila added: “I shall miss all the girls as they really were a great team.

“And I will miss the job itself and the place as it’s been part of my life for a long time.”