Director of nursing Sue Patterson said the long service awards were an acknowledgement for staff that have dedicated a large part of their work life to Orange hospital and 50 certificates were presented.

Mrs James, one of the longest serving staff, has worked in administration for 44 years.

Mrs James said since she started there staff numbers have and increased and the use of technology has changed roles.

She said the hospital used to have a boiler house, the matron had a cottage on the premises and the administration work was done by hand, then by typewriter and finally by computer.

“To do labels you had to cut a stencil, put it on a stamp pad, role out a role of paper and stamp it individually,” Mrs James said.

“All meals, cakes and cookies were prepared in the kitchen by hospital cooks, even the Christmas cake, which the matron delivered to each patient.”

Mrs James said there were no administration staff in emergency instead nurses completed attendance cards and only two resident doctors were on staff.

“[There were] no hospital security officers - hence the unexpected fleeting visit by a streaker who ran in the main entrance foyer and out to Prince Street one evening,” she said.

Mrs Gosper  an emergency department registered nurse was also awarded a certificate after working at the hospital for 41 years.

Mrs Gosper said one of the biggest changes she has seen was the introduction of maternity leave and conditions that have allowed married women to continue nursing.

“If you were married it was very difficult to return to work,” Mrs Gosper said.

She said since she started out there has also been a lot more education for nursing staff, more opportunities to specialise and a more professional outlook.