A midwife has marked a huge half-century milestone in her career helping west Suffolk parents and babies. In the year the West Suffolk Hospital marks its 50th anniversary, Diane Hele, of Beyton, is celebrating 51 years supporting families in the area. The 67-year-old, who started work in the Theatre Sterile Supply Unit at the former West Suffolk Hospital in 1973, was presented with a glass trophy to recognise her service on Monday, August 5.
Diane being presented with the trophy (Image: WSNFT) Surrounded by her maternity colleagues, as well as chief executive Dr Ewen Cameron and executive chief nurse Sue Wilkinson, Ms Hele said she loved her career, and was hoping to continue delivering babies and caring for parents at least until late next year – and maybe beyond. “I am so proud of the West Suffolk, and I have always had a passion for the job,” she said. After joining the former West Suffolk Hospital in 1973 in the Theatre Sterile Supply Unit, Ms Hele stayed in theatres when she came to the new hospital in December of the same year, before it was fully completed.
Diane Hele as manager with her nieces baby in 1989 (Image: WSNFT) From 1974 to 1977 she trained to be a state registered nurse, integrated with community nursing, and after she qualified, worked as a staff nurse in theatres for a year. In 1980 she qualified as a midwife, working full-time until 2011, and holding both sister and manager posts. She has been working part time since then, mainly on night shifts as.