"Queen" Mildred celebrates remarkable Golden Jubilee

One of our managers, who's described as the "Queen of nurses", has reached a major milestone in her lengthy career.

At the age of 68 Mildred Heyward, who runs the Hillbury House Care Homehas no plans to retire despite chalking up 50 years in the nursing profession.

"I still enjoy my work and will carry on because I like caring for people," she said.

Hillbury House is part of Pendine Park care proprietor Mario Kreft paid tribute to her "dedication and sheer professionalism".

He said: "Mildred has a remarkable record of exemplary service and we are delighted that she remains an important part of our management team.

"She is a shining example for people starting out in the care profession - she is the Queen of nurses."

It was a sentiment shared by Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths who made a surprise presentation to Mildred during the annual Fun Day at Hillbury.

She said: "The fact that she is still going strong with so much enthusiasm for her work is remarkable.

"When you meet people who have a passion for their job, it's fantastic. She is incredibly proud of the work she has done here at Hillbury."

"When I came here I managed 16 beds and now there are 68 nursing and residential beds," said Mildred, who cared for both her parents until they died at home.. "It is the caring side of things which I enjoy as well as the day-to-day involvement with the residents."

She is in her office by about 8.15 most mornings and doesn't usually get away until about 5.30pm, but she does have most weekends off.

"I am lucky in that I have a really good team here," she commented.

As she walks through the corridors the mutual affection between her and the residents is clear, and that is based on her simply underlying principle that they should all be treated with dignity and respect.

"This is their home and that must be remembered at all times. They must all be treated as individuals," she said.