Hospital staff in Abergavenny have bid a fond farewell to Sister Branka Nichols, who retired last month following an incredible 45 years of service for the NHS, 14 of those years at Nevill Hall. In the run-up to her retirement Branka had been working in the hospital’s Orthopaedic Assessment Unit having previously worked in St Peter’s Hospital, Chertsey and Guildford Royal Surrey Hospital.

“I have absolutely loved working in Wales,” she said. “The area is so beautiful and the people in Nevill Hall Hospital are wonderful, my colleagues, the surgeons, the anaesthetists all work as a great team and will do anything for you. I am so grateful to them all.”

Branka lives in Coed Morgan but plans to spend half of the year in Malta and will also spend time visiting her son in Bristol and her daughter in London.

She also loves antiques and is looking forward to browsing in antique shops. She admits she is reluctant to go but just feels that the time is right.

“But do you know? I really wish I could do another 45 years, I’ve been so happy here!” she said.