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 that is what she most enjoys.
Ms Hele said: “I’ve delivered babies for friends and relatives, including some of the staff here. "I’ve delivered babies who have now gone on to deliver their babies - it must run into the thousands, and they are all amazing, though I do have special memories of some babies and mothers. "I love my job and I can’t think of a better way to spend a career.
I love the West Suffolk Hospital and I say that having been a patient here, in orthopaedics," she added, having just come back to work after a fractured wrist. During the trophy-giving ceremony, Ewen Cameron said: “We’re here to acknowledge Diane’s great achievement of 50 years’ service to the Trust and to the NHS. It really is something to celebrate, and I’m pleased to have this chance to say thank you on behalf of the Trust.
” Sue Wilkinson said: “Like you Diane, we are all so proud of the Trust, and of you for all the care you have given over so many years. Thank you for everything you have done.” Ms Hele has also taken part in charity bicycle rides all over the world for the Genesis Research Trust, which aims to progress the understanding of miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, and reproductive cancers.
Diane Hele as sister in July 1984 (Image: WSNFT) “This is a charity dear to my heart, led by Professor Robert Winston,” she said. “One ride was 1,095 miles, from John O’Groats to Lands’ End, which I did with Fern Britton. I will do anything I can to help maternity.
” Diane’s manager Trudie Curtis said: "I am thrilled for Diane to receive this recognition and this tribute to her years of hard work and dedication. "She is an inspirational midwife who has contributed so much to sharing her knowledge and skills with junior members of the team, and to providing an outstanding level of care to the women and families she looks after. "It has been a real pleasure to work alongside Diane for so many years and I would like to congratulate her on this huge achievement.
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