Proud NHS staff celebrate long service

STAFF from York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, who, between them, have clocked up years of service, were invited to be honoured at a long service ceremony in York.

The annual event took place on Thursday 7 June at the Radisson Park Inn, York, where chief executive, Mike Proctor, paid tribute to the dedicated and caring staff from across the Trust - many of whom have spent much of their working lives in the National Health Service.

Speaking about the awards Mike said: “Our staff make a difference to hundreds of people locally every day and this is one way we can recognise the positive impact they have.  These awards recognise outstanding commitment to duty and I would like to congratulate and thank each recipient for their valuable years of service.

“This year the NHS is turning 70 on 5 July 2018, so this event is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the achievements of one of the nation’s most loved institutions, to appreciate the vital role the service plays in our lives, and to recognise and thank the extraordinary NHS staff  - the everyday heroes - who are there to support and care, day in, day out.”

Celebrating their long service were staff who have served 25 years with the National Health Service - ten years of which have consecutively been with York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Amongst those being rewarded were Nicola Lockwood, Matron for Child Health, and Vickki Smith, Sister on the Special Care Baby Unit at York Hospital.

Nicola, who qualified as a Registered Nurse in 1995 and went on to specialise in paediatrics, said:  “I am very proud of working in the NHS and in particular at York.  I have had a very enjoyable, and at times challenging, career - but one that has been rewarding and happy.  I feel privileged to have been part of, and made a difference to, so many children’s and families lives.”

Vikki, who started her nurse training in 1992 and qualified in 1995, said:  “It’s hard to believe that I will have worked on the special care baby units in York and Scarborough hospitals for nearly 18 years - and some of the infants that I have nursed are now reaching adulthood themselves.

“I have always felt very proud to be part of an organisation that pulls together to provide high standards of care for the patients in the local area.”

Mike added:  “Our staff are without doubt our greatest asset and work extremely hard to provide the very best possible care to our patients.  Each and every one of them is a credit to our service and the public they serve.”

Staff celebrating 40 years will be invited to the Trust’s annual Celebration of Achievement awards, held later this year at York Racecourse.

08 June 2018