A GRANDMOTHER who has worked on the children's ward at Croydon University Hospital for 31 years retired on Friday.
Janette Hillier, 61,had worked at the hospital since 1982 as a ward clerk, and was the longest serving member at the paediatric unit.
Miss Hillier told the Advertiser how many changes she had seen through her time at the hospital.
She said: "When I first joined I was in the Paddington Bear ward, then the Rupert Bear ward, and I've always worked on paediatrics.
"Times have changed so much and I think to keep up nowadays you need to be able to go with the flow. I thought, with all the changes, it was time for me to bail."
Miss Hillier finished her 31-year career with a party in the ward.
She said: "I will miss so many families that you get to know through the years. I've seen it all, I've seen good times and I've seen sad times, kids dying of cancer. I always hold it together when I'm at the hospital but as soon as I get home I break down; you've got to have a tough skin.
"As I live on my own I will miss the company and everyone, and I'm sure they'll miss me too but not too much I hope. I'm looking forward to my retirement and spending time with my grandchildren.
"I don't think it's going to really hit me until next week and I wake up on Monday and I'm not going to work."
Her daughter Marie Hillier, from Shirley, told the Advertiser: "Even though my mum has suffered numerous illnesses over the years she has always dedicated her life to the job.
"The NHS don't get many positive stories but a number of parents who have had sick children and work mates will miss her.
"We are all very proud of her. She put a lot of love, care and dedication into the hospital."
