To mark the 70th birthday of the NHS, Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust organised a tea party for members of staff who are the same age or older than the NHS.
The event took place in the Ark Conference Centre, Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, with a group of older members of staff from across the Trust honoured for their service to the NHS over the years.
Juliet Bridge, 70, has worked at Royal Hampshire County Hospital as a domestic assistant for 23 years. She said: “I am very proud to be part of the Trust and delighted to have met so many amazing people throughout all these years.
“It has been lovely to get together with senior members of staff and the board of directors to share our experiences within the Trust. As a patient myself, I have been able to see all the outstanding care first hand and I am very grateful for all the support I have been given both working for the hospital and as a patient. I don’t have any plans to retire anytime soon.”
Linda Jeffery, 70, has worked in medical records at Andover War Memorial Hospital for 18 years. She said: “There have been many changes but something that hasn’t changed is the friendly environment and the way we all support each other. That is what has made me want to stay here for so long.
“I am very happy to be here today celebrating with other colleagues and look forward to more years to come.”
Marge Day, 71, has been a health care assistant at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital for 12 years. She said: “Making sure that patients receive the best care is what motivates me on a daily basis as well as meeting new people. It was very nice to meet other staff.”
Elizabeth Padmore, chairman of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, Royal Hampshire County Hospital, in Winchester, and Andover War Memorial Hospital, celebrated with staff at the event. She said: “It was lovely spending time with some of our older members of staff, a number of whom have worked here over 40 years. It was fascinating to hear their stories of what has changed and what hasn’t. It is our people who make us such a wonderful organisation and everyone plays a vital role, whether that’s repairing medical equipment, working on the wards, helping bereaved families or portering. It was an honour for me to meet this group of staff and celebrate all that they do.”
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