A Bangor nurse who began her career in 1974 has marked 52 years in the profession, including 27 years at the Ulster Hospital's fracture clinic, and has said she has no plans to retire.

Margaret McCracken first trained at the Royal Victoria Hospital and gained experience during the Troubles. She later held senior leadership positions in the voluntary sector, including directorships with Mencap, but returned to clinical nursing because she missed that side of the work.

Her return began with bank shifts at the Ulster Hospital. When a permanent staff member went on leave, she was asked to cover for two weeks. She remained in that role 27 years later.

McCracken said the fracture clinic team works closely together and includes doctors, physiotherapists, and nursing staff who are both colleagues and friends. Two of her children have also followed her into the South Eastern Trust.

She encouraged anyone considering nursing to pursue it, noting that nurses now qualify with a degree, which was not the case when she trained. She said she believes in learning the basics first and building a career path as far as a person is capable, while caring about people and being able to work as part of a team.

McCracken will turn 70 in November and said she does not see herself leaving the clinic unless asked to do so. She said she enjoys the work and caring for patients each day.