A mother-of-three who joined a Forest Gate GP surgery as a receptionist has celebrated her 30th anniversary at the practice — as its manager.

Newham Recorder: Pictures taken when Stephen Timms MP opened the clinic in 1998. Picture: Ken MearsPictures taken when Stephen Timms MP opened the clinic in 1998. Picture: Ken Mears (Image: Archant)

Suki Rattu, 54, rang in her fourth decade at Claremont Clinic with colleagues who decorated the surgery with bunting and old photos taken throughout its history.

Co-workers weighed her down with flowers and gifts including £500 towards a dream holiday, and she shook hands with Stephen Timms, the MP for East Ham, who led the ribbon cutting ceremony when the surgery moved to Romford Road back in May 1998.

Describing her time at the clinic as an “amazing journey”, Suki paid tribute to her teammates in a speech.

“I have worked with so many colleagues throughout my years and have formed some good long lasting friendships,” she said.

Newham Recorder: Pictures taken when Stephen Timms MP opened the clinic in 1998. Picture: Ken MearsPictures taken when Stephen Timms MP opened the clinic in 1998. Picture: Ken Mears (Image: Archant)

“I would not be standing here today without the support and motivation I have had from my wonderful team and family.

“Therefore, I would like to say a big thank you to everyone past and present. I hope my remaining years are just as fulfilling as the previous ones.”

In 1988, Suki joined Claremont Clinic, then based at a small double-fronted house in Claremont Road.

Within two years she was promoted to practice manager, having taught herself the role by reading voraciously and taking specialist courses.

Newham Recorder: Pictures taken when Stephen Timms MP opened the clinic in 1998. Picture: Ken MearsPictures taken when Stephen Timms MP opened the clinic in 1998. Picture: Ken Mears (Image: Archant)

When the site upped sticks to Romford Road, she led the way helping staff and patients settle into their new surroundings, later completing a certificate in primary healthcare management in 2001.

Keeping so many plates spinning at once wasn’t easy, she said after the anniversary on Monday, November 5.

Studying and shifting boxes had to compete with the demands of raising her son and two daughters, all of whom are now grown-up and aged between 22 and 30.

“Don’t get me wrong it has been a long and challenging path but certainly rewarding” she said, adding: “I haven’t looked back since.”

Newham Recorder: Pictures taken when Stephen Timms MP opened the clinic in 1998. Picture: Ken MearsPictures taken when Stephen Timms MP opened the clinic in 1998. Picture: Ken Mears (Image: Archant)

Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) care watchdog rated the premises “good” overall and for being safe, effective, caring, responsive to people’s needs and well-led in their latest visit.