A KIND and patient nurse has been thanked for her 20 years of service to the NHS with a surprise party.

Donna Owen, who lives in Wilderspool, currently works as district nurse co-ordination for the central team, based at Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub.

But her past two decades have seen her work on the front line in intensive care units and in the acute admissions unit at Warrington Hospital.

And to celebrate her milestone year working for the health service, Donna’s colleagues and friends organised a special get together and presented her with a few tokens of their thanks.

“Donna is very, very patient and kind to all her patients and staff, offering support and advice on a daily basis,” said colleague Michelle Vallance.

“The team held a surprise lunch for Donna and presented her with lovey gifts to show their appreciation for all her hard work.

“She was very surprised and very grateful for all the effort that everyone went to.”

When asked what has kept her working for the NHS for so long, Donna said it was loving what she does on a daily basis.

Donna Owen is celebrating 20 years of service working for the NHS

Donna Owen is celebrating 20 years of service working for the NHS

“My time here has flown in a way, but I just love my job,” she commented.

“I am more managerial now so I do not see patients as much as I used to, but I cannot imagine doing anything else.

“It was really nice of my colleagues to throw a party for me and I was really surprised and was not expecting it at all.

“I probably won’t quite get another 20 years in before I retire, but I am not going anywhere for the time being.”

Donna started her nurse training in 1999 at the University of Manchester and enjoyed placements at Withington and Wythenshawe hospitals.

She worked in intensive care units and cardiothoracics before moving on to a cardiac surgical unit at Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge.

Donna then spent time at Warrington Hospital at the acute admissions unit before moving on to work with the community.

She has worked for the district nursing service since 2003, later completing her specialist practitioner’s qualification which led to her becoming a district nurse team leader.