Terry still serving hospital ward at the age of 80 – now that really is worth celebrating

If ever a surprise birthday celebration for a colleague was merited, this was it. 

Terry Bays recently turned 80 and, far from having her big occasion marked at home long into her retirement, she had it at the place where she has worked for 43 years. 

Terry is a healthcare assistant on Maple Ward at University Hospital Lewisham, Lewisham High Street. 

She has also worked in the linen services team, sterile services department and switchboard and has been very much a part of the furniture at the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust. 

As a healthcare assistant, Terry worked on Beech Ward for 10 years and on Maple Ward for the past 10 years. 

She supports nursing colleagues in providing care to stroke patients, as well as helping out with the day-to-day running of the ward. 

In celebration of Terry’s milestone birthday and as a token of thanks for her important contribution to the Maple Ward Team, her colleagues threw her the surprise birthday celebration complete with balloons and a cake.

Cynthia Oti, matron for the Stroke, Endocrine and Discharge Lounge, explained: “Terry is a kind and compassionate healthcare assistant. She is supportive and proactive on the ward, making sure our patients receive exceptional care.

“We are extremely fortunate to have such a wonderful and caring colleague who loves her job and goes the extra mile to meet the needs of her patients. We hope you had a fantastic birthday, Terry, and best wishes.”

Pictured top: Terry flanked by her admiring colleagues (Picture: LG NHS Trust)