Hospital staff threw a surprise party for two nurses in Romford retiring after a combined career span of 87 years.

The retirement bash at Queen’s Hospital by its respiratory medical team was for Denise Smith and her best pal Jane Elflain, who hung up their nursing uniforms on October 31.

The duo retired together after decades of service between them for Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust.

Denise started at Barking Hospital in June 1977, then Jane arrived in July 1984.
“I couldn’t have done it without her,” Denise said.

“We know each other so well as we’ve said to so many people over the years.”

They both worked at various hospitals before becoming friends in 1996 working on the same ward.

The two immediately clicked, with colleagues thinking they were ‘joined at the hip’. They even job shared as ward manager.

Denise is looking forward to relaxing in retirement, while Jane is planning to spend more time with her family and grandchildren.