Chief Executive, Wendy Swift and Chairman, Pearse Butler with Kevin Hill and Carol Howley who celebrate 40 years service with the Trust
LONG serving members of staff at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust were awarded for their dedication at a special ceremony.
The Trust held its annual awards event for those staff with more than 20 years’ NHS service and colleagues who had gone the extra mile and undertaken additional qualifications.
Staff celebrate 30 years service with the Trust
Jane Meek, Deputy Director of Workforce and Education opened the event, alongside Head of People Effectiveness and Development, Sharon Adams, who thanked dedicated staff who have made a difference in their roles and within the hospital.
Trust Chief Executive, Wendy Swift, said: “I always really enjoy this occasion and the chance to meet so many staff in person. It gives me the chance to thank each and every one of them for their service.
“This year we have more than 200 staff who have been in the NHS for more than 20 years, with 22 people actually working for the NHS for more than 40 years.
“As a quick count up, it shows that those people have served for the NHS for more than 5,000 years which is again a fantastic achievement.
“The Board is really proud to honour our staff, I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart.”
Non-medical perscribers achievement awards
This year the Trust had 153 members of staff nominated for a Staff Achievement Award covering a range of topics ranging from mentoring, non-medical prescribing and professional development qualifications.
Kevin Hill has worked for the Trust for 40 years and is now in the role of Assistant Cardiac Physiologist.
He said: “I joined the Ambulance Service in 1979 as a paramedic and in 1999 I undertook a new role as what then was a ‘Cardiographer’.
“I really enjoy my role within the Trust and have noticed a lot of changes over the years, but mainly how much our technology has improved in order for us to make a huge difference to diagnosing patients.
“I love working as part of a team and I think this is what has made me stay in the NHS for so long.”
Professional development achievement awards
Trust Chairman, Pearse Butler, also praised staff for their achievements.
He said: “As a Trust we do encourage people to develop their skills as part of our Great Place To Work programme and this is where events like today come in.
“This celebration is as much for families too as I know they will have provided great support to our individuals in one way or another.
“Everyone should feel proud of their achievements and the event is a chance to celebrate those with friends and peers.”
Helen Evans presented with her mentorship achievement award