Long Service Awards – 50 years

Three NHS colleagues have been thanked and celebrated for their combined 150 years of dedication to their careers.

Robert Heeley and Philippa Patel

Robert Heeley, Philippa Patel and Jayne Dunn have received a Long Service Award for clocking up 50 years of service each.

The Long Service Awards is an annual celebration event hosted by The Royal Wolverampton NHS Trust to acknowledge the dedication and in valuable contribution of staff.

A glittering awards ceremony took place on 5 June at the Grand Station, Wolverhampton to shine a spotlight on their achievements.

Robert Heeley, Hospital Engineer, started in the NHS in 1974 as an electrician working at Good Hope Hospital in Sutton. After 20 years, he furthered his education in building services and obtained a Higher National Certificate (HNC) which gave him the title of engineer. He did this until 2013 before moving to New Cross Hospital to start his current role.

Robert’s job entails ensuring water quality and prevention of legionella and pseudomonas and other water borne infections. He manages the water flushing in the Trust to help with cross infections.

The 76-year-old said: “I enjoy being able to provide a safe working environment for patients, visitors and staff. With my 50 years’ experience, this helps me achieve my desired goal. I enjoy working and I know I’m helping others.

“I feel honoured and privileged to have worked for the NHS for so many years and I look forward to the next few years.”

Philippa Patel, Black Country Pathology Services (BCPS) Administration Manager and Jayne Dunn, Staff Nurse in Ophthalmology were also awarded their 50-year long service award.

Graham Danks, BCPS Operational Group Manager, is Phillipa’s manager.

He said: “I and everyone in the Black Country Pathology Services (BCPS) would like to offer our personal appreciation for Philippa’s achievement of this milestone of 50 years in the NHS.

“I have personally worked with Philippa for 13 years and she has always been loyal, hardworking and dedicated and always gives more than 100 per cent and I can’t thank her enough for her support.

“Thank for your unwavering loyalty to the NHS and patient care. You are a star!”

Abigail Francis, Senior Sister is Jayne’s manager.

She said: “Jayne is an inspirational role model for ophthalmic nursing, with her dedication and commitment to the speciality. She started her nursing career as a Pupil Nurse Cadet at the Eye Infirmary in 1972.

“She constantly provides beautiful care and health promotion to all her patients. She has a vast wealth of ophthalmic knowledge and experiences which she shares with her all her colleagues.

“Jayne is a valued and well-respected member of our team.”