A POPULAR healthcare worker celebrated a milestone birthday on the ward she works in at Royal Bolton Hospital.

Laraine Scarle, a healthcare assistant on the F3 ward at the borough hospital, turned 80 this week.

Originally from New York, the registered nurse moved to the UK in 1999, after spotting an NHS advert searching for staff.

She intended to stay on this side of the pond for six months, before working in the UK for almost two decades.

Although Laraine retired from her nursing role after nearly 60 years, she decided to work alongside her previous colleagues as a healthcare assistant.

Known to some as nursing assistants, or auxiliary nurses, the vital helpers care for patients staying in hospital, helping out with blood tests, changing bedding, and checking on patients.

Laraine has worked throughout the coronavirus pandemic, caring for people staying in the surgical assessment unit at the borough hospital.

A spokesman for Bolton NHS Foundation Trust said: "We are wishing a very happy 80th birthday to Laraine Scarle, who spent the day on F3 ward where she works as a healthcare assistant.

"Laraine is a registered nurse who moved to the UK in 1999, and she’s never looked back.

"In the last few years she became a healthcare assistant, working right through the pandemic.

"We hope you had a fantastic birthday. Thank you for your service."

Laraine will officially retire from her role at the hospital next month.