Librarian Helen Curtis was a willing participant for the NHS 70 birthday celebrations as our amazing organisation saved her life. During childbirth she suffered a bleed and she reckons she wouldn't be here without all the care she needed at that crucial time. If you want to be part of this series then answer the questions and send them back to CHFT@cht.nhs.uk and we'll do the rest. Over to Helen...

How long have you worked for the NHS

I have been the librarian here at Calderdale for 25 years in August. I had worked in public libraries prior to that. I needed a change from family tree researchers. This was pre-internet days and the census returns were on microfilm. I also spent a lot of time finding ordnance survey maps of the Lakeland Fells as I was working in Carlisle at the time.  I thought working for the NHS would allow me the opportunity to meet some engaging characters and the work would be interesting and I haven’t been disappointed on either front.

The NHS is special to me because…

It saved my life after I had a postpartum haemorrhage. The London Olympics opening ceremony just wouldn’t have been the same without it.

Birthday present for the NHS’s 70th

I would pay off the NHS’s PFI debts and wish it at least another 70 years.