Sonographer still in the picture at 76
Sheila Harris has been keeping a watchful eye on several generations of babies before they make their entry into the world.
The 76-year-old ultra sonographer works part-time nowadays after clocking up more than 50 years of service with the NHS.
Sheila gave up a career in teaching in Trinidad to follow her sister to the UK in 1969 where she originally trained as a radiographer.
She gained additional skills as an ultrasonographer in the early eighties and now works one day a week at Northwick Park.
Sheila sees up to 15 expectant mothers a day in Northwick Park taking an ultrasound to check everything is OK and identify any potential birth defects.
The majority of woman have scans at 12 and 20 weeks unless there is cause for concern with can increase with existing long-term conditions like diabetes and obesity.
Shela said: “I have scanned several twins and triplets which is always a surprise for parents and it’s always nice to be able to reassure mothers everything is OK.
"We sometimes do have problematic cases which are then referred to the Fetal Medicine Unit at the hospital for further investigation.
“I guess I should retire one day but it keeps me busy and I still enjoy the work. Anyway, it is a good excuse for me not getting to grips with the garden.”