After a long and successful career spanning an impressive 47 years in the NHS, Senior Radiographer Paula Kubara has said goodbye to Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust.

Paula was appointed as a student radiographer at Walsall on September 5, 1977.

The 66-year-old from Willenhall completed her six-week nurse training before specialising in radiography at City Health Campus on Dudley Road.

She was then given a job as a basic grade radiographer on an annual salary of £4,309.

Having spent her entire career at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, Paula said colleagues in the radiography department were ‘like family’.

She said: “I originally wanted a career in law but I thought x-ray might be something more different and interesting.

“My mum and sisters are nurses so a career in the NHS was something I felt suited me as well.

“What I will miss most is the people. They are like family. I will also miss helping and speaking to patients as well.”

Paula worked for the Pan Birmingham Cancer Research Network (PBCRN) as a research radiographer as well as working at Walsall Manor. She also worked as relief radiographer at Winson Green Prison and Brinsford young offender institution. She said she has seen a lot of changes during her time at the Trust.

She said: “We used to take x-rays then go through a long process developing it. It was quickly removed from the developer and placed into the post-developer water rinse. This would then be left to dry on the drying rack.

“Now this has all been replaced with instant, digital pictures.

“We work a lot different now. We also see different patients. Previously it would be people involved in industrial accidents. But now due to health and safety improvements this is less frequent. Instead, we see patients with more complex conditions, and which would previously have not been picked up.

“Technology has hugely improved patient care.”

Her colleagues described her as friendly, dedicated and determined co-worker.

Dr Louise Holland, Clinical Director and Consultant Radiologist, said: “I would like to thank Paula for her friendship and support.

“She is someone who brings people together and delivers. Paula is a wonderful team player with a willingness to learn. She sets examples to others and is well liked.

“She has the warmest personality, and we will miss her dearly.”

As Paula bids farewell, she said she was looking forward to spending more time with her family and looking after her three-year-old grandchild Luna.