A member of staff at the University Hospital of North Tees, in Stockton, has retired, ending a career that spanned five decades.

Last week, patient services manager Ann Jackson stepped down from her post after almost 37 years in the healthcare industry.

"I have made many good colleagues and friends over the years and will miss being part of such a valuable organisation," said Mrs Jackson, who was born in Middlesbrough but now lives in Ferryhill, County Durham.

"I feel I have led a very fulfilling career that gave me the opportunity to try and change things for the benefit of nurses."

Mrs Jackson trained to be a nurse at Sedgefield General Hospital in 1966, and was promote to ward sister five years later.

In 1974 she joined what was then the North Tees District General Hospital as a sister on the gynaecology ward.

Mrs Jackson went on to work in intensive care before spending the majority of her career working in accident and emergency.

In 2001 she was appointed one of the hospital's five patient services managers, which entailed working night shifts and weekends.

Mrs Jackson provided out-of-hours management for the hospital, dealing with issues such including major incidents and complaints.

Later in her career she was involved in what is now the Nursing and Midwifery Council and became a member of the council's nursing and community health council, nursing committee and professional conduct and health committee.

Cath Siddle, the deputy director of nursing at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust, said: "Ann epitomises the caring and professional attitude that we try to engender in all of our nurses and she has made an invaluable contribution to the trust during her time here.

"Her wealth of experience and knowledge is second to none and we wish her well in the future."