A NURSE who dedicated 50 years of her life to the NHS has won praise from the Queen and the Prime Minister.

Marita Jordan of Leyton celebrated the milestone with her colleagues at her workplace, Hurst Road Health Centre near Forest Road in Walthamstow.

The district nurse, who has worked in Waltham Forest for the past 44 years, will retire from her role this month but will remain involved in health services part-time.

She said: “It’s hard to think that tomorrow I am not going to be dressed in blue, not going to be referred to as Marita or Sister Jordan, just mum or nanny Marita, which is amazing in its own way.

“I am going to miss my colleagues and friends who have helped me so much over the years, standing by me through difficult and trying times professionally and personally.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

“I will miss my teaching role, were I experienced my students progressing upwards to greater and better positions. I take great pride in this, especially as some of them have been my managers.

“I will very much miss my patients who I have nursed through generations.”

Mrs Jordan received letters of commendation from Buckingham Palace and the Prime Minister’s office as well as praise from colleagues.

Jacqui Van Rossum, NELFT Executive Director for Integrated Care in London, said: “Marita’s commitment to the NHS is outstanding.

“The party was a big surprise for her, but she deserves all the plaudits that she received as she has had an amazing career.

“It filled me with pride to be able to congratulate her on this amazing landmark anniversary and was great to see how many of her friends, colleagues and family members turned up to applaud her.”