11 July 2008
The birth of the NHS was marked on Saturday (5 July) and it was also a special day for a neonatal ward sister who celebrated her 60th birthday too.
Vida Osei-Kuffour, who is based at St Helier Hospital, was presented with flowers and £60 pounds worth of vouchers during an event for staff and volunteers to mark the NHS' 60th birthday. The presentation was made by Trust Chief Executive and former nurse, Samantha Jones.
Vida said it was a truly special and memorable occasion.
"It's fantastic sharing my special day with the NHS - it's strange to think that we are both exactly the same age, born on the very day in 1948. I am extremely proud of being associated with the NHS and have enjoyed a wonderful career to date."
Vida, who lives in Mitcham, has been working for the Trust for the past 12 years and within the NHS since 1973.
She started her nurse training at the former Cuckfield Hospital near Haywards Heath. Vida then moved to Queen Mary's Hospital in Roehampton, south west London as a nurse before transferring to St Helier in 1996.
Fellow sister, Janet Patnelli, said: "Vida's good sense of humour and friendly demeanour enables her to communicate really well with staff and especially with parents who come to the neonatal unit. She is universally liked by everyone and I am delighted her milestone birthday was a joint celebration and highlighted by the Trust."
