A NURSE who was once told her smile would “make millions of people happy” is saying goodbye to the hospital – after 45 years spent caring for patients in Swindon.

Satya Rampaul joined the Princess Margaret Hospital in the early 1970s, after turning to nursing straight from school.

Today, the 63-year-old nurse will walk out of the Great Western Hospital for the final time. The Cherwell Unit staff nurse, who has been with what is now GWH for 45 years, is retiring.

In comments posted on the hospital’s Facebook page, Satya said: “I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I’ve always thoroughly enjoyed my work – I’m really going to miss it.

“I remember one woman said to me in 1977, ‘Your smile is going to make millions and millions of people happy’. I hope it has.”

Satya is looking forward to spending more time with her daughters and granddaughters during retirement. She also plans regular trips to India.

Nikola Robinson, ward sister on the Cherwell Unit, paid tribute to her longest serving nurse: “We’re really going to miss her.”