Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) was delighted to host their 39th Long Service Awards ceremony last week, to both recognise and celebrate colleagues who have worked in the NHS for 20, 30, 40 and a remarkable 50 years’ service.
The awards ceremony which took place on Thursday 1st September at WWL’s Medical Education Centre, recognises the dedication and commitment of long serving staff, 32 of which were in attendance, and is a testament to the supportive working environment WWL colleagues have made for each other.
Mark Jones, Chair at WWL, presented the awards and praised colleagues for their hard work and commitment to their roles and WWL: “It was an absolute privilege to be asked to present the awards and to thank long serving colleagues for their continuous hard work and commitment to WWL – for which we are immensely grateful and honoured.
“It was great to see so many staff able to attend the ceremony which was full of laughter, happy tears, and touching stories about the recipients from their colleagues.”
During the ceremony, Jeanette Alker, Housekeeper on the Community Assessment Unit at Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan, received an award for 30 years’ service at WWL and praised the opportunity the role provides to interact with patients and colleagues: “I love the patient contact I get from the ward environment, being able to help others, and all the friends and colleagues I’ve met over the years. My job is really varied, and I love it!’
Carolyn Parkinson, Neonatal Outreach Sister on the Neonatal Unit, also attended the event and received an award for an outstanding 40 years’ service. Carolyn who is now enjoying flexible retirement while still working at the Trust commented: “I’ve now taken flexible retirement and thoroughly enjoy my two days, leaving plenty time for family and friends.
“My favourite thing about my job is making a difference to infants and families, and I’ve seen many positive outcomes and made lifelong friends from colleagues over the years.”
Hayley Molyneux, Orthopaedic Practitioner at the Trust, also attended the ceremony and received an award for 20 years’ NHS service. Hayley commented that the greatest career achievement over the 20 years has been gaining the permanent position within the Orthopaedic Practitioner Team at WWL, as well as being able to continue to learn and develop by working towards the Advanced Clinical Practitioner master’s degree. Hayley also highlighted the best thing about the job: “The team I work with. They are so supportive, welcoming, and friendly.”
When asked ‘What advice would you give to someone considering a career at WWL?’, Hayley kept it short and sweet: “It’s like a family.”
Alison Balson, WWL’s Chief People Officer and Executive Lead for Long Service Awards at the Trust added:
“At WWL, we are committed to making our staff our priority, and Hayley’s four simple words sum up the environment we strive to achieve.
“We know that creating a positive working environment and investing in the health and wellbeing of our colleagues, will enable us to achieve the very best and compassionate care for our patients and community – they go hand-in-hand.”
“That’s why we will continue to prioritise what really matters to our staff to help improve the working lives of our colleagues through the Our Family, Our Future, Our Focus staff engagement programme of work.
“Through this, we hope to create an environment where colleagues feel supported, valued, and can learn, develop and flourish, and that many more colleagues will reach the 40, 50 or even 60-year milestones.”