Dudley Group staff have celebrated an incredible 800 years of continuous service at an event celebrating their length of service with the Trust.
The Long Service Awards, presented by Chief Operating Officer Paul Bytheway, shone the spotlight on staff who have reached key milestones in their years of service, ranging from 15 to 40 years.
Staff were presented with a Long Service certificate and badge by Chief Executive Paula Clark and Chairman Jenni Ord. Staff marking 30 or more years’ service also received a piece of locally-made glassware.
Welcoming recipients and their guests, Paula said how important long standing members of staff were to the organisation.
Addressing a packed Lecture Theatre, Paula said, “We are celebrating today true role models who have a wealth of knowledge and understanding about the organisation, which really is invaluable to us.
“You have chosen to give most, if not all, of your careers to The Dudley Group contributing so much to our patients over the years, and so I must thank you all for your dedication and commitment.”
Julie Adams, a nurse advisor in the community-based continence team, marked 40 years of service.
“I started as a cadet at Wordsley Hospital and I have seen so many changes over the years working across the Trust. I’ve built such close friendships with my colleagues and I can’t see myself working anywhere other than The Dudley Group until I retire,” said Julie.
Staff Nurse Sanmar Anthony Aungon, who joined the Trust from the Philippines, celebrated 15 years’ service.
“Before coming to the UK I had worked in various places in different countries but as soon as I moved to Dudley I knew I wanted to stay,” said Sanmar.
“It’s been 15 years since the move and I now have a wife and three children. I’ve stayed here for so long because my colleagues and the patients of Dudley are just so nice.”
Jenni Ord, Trust Chair experienced her first Long Service Awards and said, “I have been blown away by the feeling of family in the Trust.”
“It is obvious to me why all of the people in this room have stayed here so long. It is such a friendly organisation to work in. I would like to thank you all personally and on behalf of the Board of Directors.”
After the awards ceremony, recipients were treated to a celebratory tea and a slice of Long Service cake made especially for the event.
