A NURSE who has spent more than 50 years helping patients in Essex says she has no plans to slow down. 

Marian Bottjer, from Wickford, has been taking care of Mid and South Essex hospital patients since 1972, with the majority of those years spent looking after children and young people. 

Having began her career as an Auxiliary Nurse at the age of 18.

Marian then moved to St John's Hospital in 1981 before joining the Basildon Hospital Team in 1989.

Since transferring to Basildon in the late 80s, Marian has dedicated herself to the field of paediatrics, a decision influenced by her lifelong love for children.

A young Marian BottjerA young Marian Bottjer (Image: Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust)

Throughout the course of her long career, the NHS has undergone drastic changes and seen its infrastructure pushed to the breaking point during crisis' such as the pandemic.

Marian, now aged 70, insists that "the core aspect of the role of a nurse remains the same, which is caring for patients."

"I feel it is one of the greatest privileges in the world to be part of children’s care and seeing them get better and making parents smile keeps me going," she said. 

Years spent on hospital wards have not dampened Marian's love for her work.

She said: "I would really encourage NHS staff to consider working in paediatrics, especially younger colleagues, because it really is the best job.”

The mother of three, and grandmother of five, has repeatedly chosen to turn-down senior roles in favour of spending more time on the wards.

She is known for treating her patients and their parents as though they are her own family, offering emotional support and much needed cups of tea.

Marian Bottjer at the start of her careerMarian Bottjer at the start of her career (Image: Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust)

Jerusha Murdoch-Kelly, Head of Nursing and Quality for Children and Young People's Services at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Marian is one of the kindest and most compassionate nurses that you will ever meet.

"She will make new staff members feel incredibly welcome, and she loves mentoring student nurses. Basildon Hospital’s children services are a better place for having Marian as part of the team.”