62 dedicated NHS staff at Lincolnshire’s mental health, learning disabilities and autism trust have had their decades of NHS service recognised at a special celebration event.

Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) was delighted to celebrate staff from a range of services across the county, who between them have accomplished an impressive 1,480 years of loyal service.

Lynn Davies, a Senior Health Care Support Worker in the Stamford Community Mental Health Team, was one of four staff to reach the particularly impressive 45 year milestone. She said:

“It doesn’t seem at all like 45 years, and I still enjoy it! I remain incredibly passionate and I love helping people! My mum was a support worker for 30 years and I am so proud of my son who has been able to complete his nursing qualification with LPFT and the University of Lincoln.

“I started as a domestic assistant in 1977, then a ward orderly, and then onto direct patient care roles from there. Being one of the longest serving staff in the Trust, I have such an interest in its history and have been working on a scrapbook all about Rauceby Hospital where I worked until it closed in 1997.

“There have been so many changes over the years! Now we have much more of a focus on community-based services and it’s been such a positive improvement as people get better more quickly at home.

In 2005, she was delighted to have the opportunity to train as an Occupational Therapist and has since been working with older adults with dementia which is her passion. Carol said:

“LPFT has seen many changes but I have always felt very supported. The Trust has given me the wonderful opportunity to train and qualify as an Allied Health Professional, teaching me skills to make a difference in people’s lives.

“Despite the challenges, the NHS has so much to offer in terms of a career and I have met so many wonderful colleagues.

“The most rewarding part of my role is connecting with and seeing the essence of the person living with dementia, which can come as part of the patient-centred care and teamwork we provide. I also feel incredibly lucky to be able to support carers and families through such a difficult time, especially when we manage to help patients to return home.”

The Trust’s Long Service Awards are held every year and recognise staff that have achieved the incredible feat of working in the NHS for 20, 30, 40 or even 45 years of continuous NHS service.

Sarah Connery, Chief Executive, added:

“It is a great honour to be able to congratulate so many passionate staff who have dedicated so much of their lives to working for the NHS. We understand how important it is to recognise the amazing efforts of our staff and particularly reward them when they achieve such impressive milestone years.

“They are a credit to LPFT and the NHS. I hope many others will be inspired to follow in their footsteps, make a difference to the lives of people in Lincolnshire, and launch a rewarding career.”

LPFT has a number of exciting opportunities for people looking to start or continue their NHS career. The Trust is dedicated to developing local talent and supporting recruits from overseas who are committed to delivering outstanding care for patients, service users and carers.

You can find out more about working for LPFT at www.lpft.nhs.uk/work-for-us