A well-loved nurse at a Birmingham hospital was given an emotional send-off after providing care for poorly children for 40 years.

Brought up in Jamaica and now living in Moseley, Icilda Samuels started working in nursing at Heartlands Hospital in the early 1970’s caring for young patients on the children’s unit with a range of conditions from those suffering with severe physical difficulties to those with cystic fibrosis.

Better known as ‘Sammy,’ Icilda is now preparing to take a well-earned retirement and plans to volunteer at her local church. She reflected on her time at Heartlands as an enjoyable experience.  She said: “Ever since I was a child, I always wanted to get into nursing. I really enjoyed my role and I don’t have any regrets.

“Over the years I have met many lovely and interesting people and I have found the work to be very rewarding. There were so many aspects of my role I enjoyed. From caring for patients and treating them like they were part of my family, to supporting student nurses and seeing them progress.  I wish I could have stayed longer and started out again in nursing.

“There have been so many changes in the NHS ever since I started working at Heartlands. More staff are being employed and the environment in which care is given has improved.  Time really has flown by.

“I am looking forward to the next chapter of my life but I will miss being a part of the hospital community and the people I came into contact with every day.”

Julie Rowland, ward 16 manager at Heartlands Hospital, said: “Icilda was a pleasure to work with, she always came into work with a smile on her face. Her dedication and commitment was first class and she will be missed.”