NHS Heroes: Hospital 'mother' who liked job so much she scrapped retirement

The 67-year-old has been a support worker for almost four decades, but still enjoys getting on with the job as normal.

She said: "I just do what I do and I don't have to think about it. I've got lots of experience in life. It's just second nature – I love work.

"I used to do a lot for my mother and grandson, but then my mother died and my grandson went to school. Two years after retiring, I realised I missed work and went back onto the 'bank' – the regular shifts. I just love my job.

"I love caring for people and especially elderly people. They have always had lives before they became ill. I love to put little bits of music on for them. It's amazing how they can relate to the old music.

Patricia, of Yeadon, Leeds, works on Ward 4 at The Mount Hospital in central Leeds.

Sarah Pearson, 37, of Kirkstall, who worked as a receptionist with Patricia at The Mount, was so impressed that she nominated her for the Yorkshire Post NHS Health and Social Care Hero of the Year Award 2010.

"Patricia just makes such a difference to those old ladies' lives every day," Sarah said. "She takes time to see that they look nice."

"She's the sort of person I would want to be. She's always so good and works so hard. All the staff call her 'mother' and we're her 'daughters'."

Sarah has plenty of examples of when Patricia has put in extra effort to ensure a patient felt better. "One patient coming in once was really unwell," she said. "Patricia gave her a nod in the right direction and into the bathroom. Patricia really persevered with her."

Patricia was humble in her acceptance of the award nomination. "I just can't believe it," she said. "We're so lucky to have jobs."

More details and voting form