Celebrating 40 years’ service: “When I started in 1982, I never expected to be using computers the way we do now!”
Former staff member Julie Owen looked back on over four decades at the NHS after receiving her 40 Years’ Service Award from Trust Chair Nick Carver.
Julie, who started working for the NHS in June 1982, was given her Long Service Award at a celebration afternoon tea this week, which honoured 25, 35 and 40 years NHS service. In total the event celebrated over 900 years of service.
Julie began working at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) in the Renal Unit at City Hospital after completing her nursing training in Halifax.
Reflecting on over 40 years’ service in various Renal Departments across the country Julie said: “When I started in 1982, I never expected to be using computers the way we do now! The complexity of care and treatment people now receive has changed drastically over the years. So has the reduction of time people need to spend in hospital after major surgery.
“I have enjoyed all my jobs and I’ve always liked learning something new. It has been a fantastic career that has allowed me to travel the country.”
Carol Kennedy, Radiotherapy Advanced Practitioner, was also awarded a Long Service Award this week for 35 years of service. Carol decided to go into radiotherapy after seeing her mum received the treatment when she was a little girl, and she has never looked back.
Carol said: “I first started working at The General Hospital in the middle of Nottingham before moving to City Hospital 20 years ago. Everything has changed.
“It is mind blowing how much the technology has developed over the years! Everything is much more concise now and it’s all logged on computers.
“It is a fabulous department to work in, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
Other attendees at the celebratory event included Children's Sleep Practitioner, Sam Parr, who celebrated 25 years’ service.
Bel Asher, Deputy Chief People Officer and Nick Carver, Trust Chair, attended the event to celebrate and present the attendees with their NHS long service badge and a certificate.
Chief Executive Anthony May OBE DL said: “These important awards are about recognising and celebrating our colleagues’ achievements in reaching long service milestones at NUH and within the NHS. I would like to thank everyone who is receiving an award for your continued commitment and dedication to our patients and the community. I am grateful to you all.”
Long service is celebrated at NUH once a quarter with an award presentations and afternoon tea event, which is generously sponsored by Nottingham Hospitals Charity.
