ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

A 90-year-old grandmother is still working as a cleaner at a UK hospital - and says she has no plans to retire.

Margaret Price from Rochford in Essex has been a cleaner at Southend Hospital since 1991. Before that she was employed at nearby Rochford Hospital.

She works three days a week and her job entails walking four miles a day around the hospital's corridors. But despite that, her colleagues describe her as "always smiling".

"I never thought I would still be doing this at 90, but I love every moment," said Margaret. "It keeps me young and I feel like part of a big family here at Southend Hospital."

Born in 1934 in North Yorkshire, Margaret moved to Southend when her husband landed a job in the area. The couple have seven children and 13 grandchildren.

Hospital staff recently threw Margaret a party to celebrate her 90th birthday and to recognise the extent of her service over the years.

When asked about her retirement plans her response is always the same, says supervisor Ros Allen. "She says: ‘I'm happy. If you need me I'll come in.'," says Allen. "She's very positive whatever you give her to do - she doesn't complain and she's always happy and jolly."

Fellow supervisor Susan Haynes said: "Margaret's wisdom and experience are invaluable. She has seen the hospital evolve over the years and her stories bring a sense of history to our workplace.

"We all look up to her as a role model. She is always happy and makes everyone laugh."