40 Years’ NHS Service

Marianne Jackson celebrated 40 years’ service in the NHS with a surprise tea party organised by her friends and colleagues.

Marianne started work as an NHS ‘Housekeeper’ on the Orthopaedic Wards on the 9th August 1976 when the new District General Hospital opened in Eastbourne. At this time there was only a Surgical Wing and no Medical or Neurological Specialities. The majority of her career has been spent working in Orthopaedics. She was one of the first people to be employed as a Physiotherapy Assistant at Eastbourne District General Hospital.

Donna Gurr Specialist Physiotherapist said, “Marianne has given great service to the NHS and the local community. She has great patience and empathy with her patients developed from many years working in Orthopaedics. Her qualities were recently recognised when she was nominated for an unsung hero award last year.”

Marianne says she has seen huge changes in her 40 years, with building of the medical wing, introduction of new services and in how work was carried out and recorded.  Marianne remembers when there were no computers, no televisions or phones by bedsides and that there were day rooms on every ward and smoking rooms for patients and staff.

Marianne has gained a wealth of knowledge, particularly in Orthopaedics, over this time, and has experienced working in many areas of Physiotherapy, including Hydrotherapy, Care of Older people and Amputee Rehabilitation. At a time where most people are looking towards retirement, Marianne is still embracing new challenges, having taken on a key role in our ‘Assisted Discharge Scheme’ which supports patients in the community with further rehabilitation. This scheme supports early hospital discharge post hip and knee replacement, with support in the community with exercises.