SHE joined the NHS in the year America ended its involvement in the Vietnam War and Roger Moore played James Bond for the first time.
Jean Lumber, who has been treating patients for half a century, was presented with a long service award at a surprise ceremony that left her "surprised and overwhelmed".
Jean is a radiographer at the Lymington New Forest Hospital, which is run by the Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust.
Southern's deputy chief executive, Paula Anderson, said: "It's incredible to think of all the patients and colleagues that Jean has supported during her 50 years in the NHS.
"Her passion, commitment, and experience make a difference every day.
"We're very grateful for all that Jean has done and continues to do, working within our diagnostics team at Lymington Hospital.”
Jean joined the NHS in 1973 after leaving school at the age of 17.
She said: "The training was arduous and expectations high. We trained on the job, cleaned lots, and studied hard.
"We travelled to London for examinations. The only other time I had been to London before then was on a school trip."
Jean worked in various NHS hospitals and also joined the Territorial Army.
"I was awarded Best Young Recruit and invited to take a permanent post with the army. However, since female officers were not allowed to do radiography, I declined the offer in order to follow my career in the NHS.
"Radiography is a very rewarding profession and I try to be a role model for radiographers and fly the flag for this amazing job.
"Even after 50 years, I am still enthusiastic - I feel I have been privileged to have worked in a golden age in the NHS and specifically radiography."
Colleagues past and present attended the award ceremony to help Jean celebrate her achievement.
"I would like to express my heartfelt thanks for everyone’s efforts and presence in making me feel appreciated and valued as a member of the radiology team," she said.
Senior radiographer Katie Marson added: "It's been a pleasure to work with Jean over the last decade.
"Her knowledge and skills have been invaluable for my progression and she has been a great mentor. She's always happy to help the team and only a phone call away for advice."
Radiology service manager Karen Kritter, who helped organise the ceremony, added: "Jean was very surprised and overwhelmed."
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