Those who have given the most hours, days and years to serving the local NHS across different professions across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire were recognised in long service awards by Hywel Dda University Health Board.
It was a chance to bring together many different people varying from carers to a member of the maintenance team and to theatre staff to celebrate the one thing they all have in common, serving for their local NHS for over 40 years.
Dyfrig Sharp from Carmarthenshire was just one of those recognised. Dyfrig started his career with the NHS on a 6 month trial through the NHS job creation scheme within the maintenance team.
He then went on to become a fully-fledged NHS employee in 1978 taking up the role of a semi-skilled fitter. Just over a decade after beginning his career he took an opportunity and became a power house operator.
His colleagues shared their kind words noting, “The knowledge and experience that he has developed over the 40 years is irreplaceable and is regarded as an integral member to the maintenance team.”
Gwenfair Pearson, was just one of the staff from Ceredigion recognised for her hard work and commitment to the health board. Working at Bronglais Hospital over the past four decades has seen Gwenfair working in the day surgery unit and in orthopaedics.
Her colleagues commented on how blessed they were having worked with Gwenfair over the years. Adding that she brought much support to many patients and families which made her well-known, much loved and recognised wherever she goes.
They also added, “I have only ever witnessed kindness, compassion and care, delivered through her bright smile and warm personality. A truly hard working, reliable and diligent nurse, Gwen continues to bring a positivity to her role that benefits not only those for whom she cares, but also her colleagues.”
Stephanie Nicholas who is based Pembrokeshire was recognised for her dedication in an event before Christmas. Over her 43 years in service she has worked in South Pembs Hospital, district nursing service, out of hours doctors service and ART team.
Her colleagues had lovely words to describe her including, “she is a very professional nurse and is reliable, honest and dedicated.”
Health Board Chair Bernardine Rees said: “It’s been a privilege and humbling to present long service awards to staff across Hywel Dda, the experience demonstrated by the individuals both clinical and non-clinical has been immense.
“It has been a pleasure to thank them all for the commitment you have given to the NHS in mid and west Wales over the years.”
The ceremony was held last week in the Cambrian Room at Glangwili Hospital. The ceremony saw the nominees receive their award along with a personal card with messages from colleagues they have worked long side.
The day was filled with great emotion and it was an honour for us to celebrate the care and loyalty given to the health board by these humble people.
Director of Workforce and Organisational Development Lisa Gostling added: “It’s wonderful to be part of the special event, 40 years service is truly a remarkable achievement and we are delighted to be able to thank staff for their dedication to our patients over this time.
“This event was the second of our long service events and plans are already underway for the third in to be held in the spring.
“Once we have thanked our longest serving staff we will be begin to recognise others who have also dedicated significant periods of their lives to our local health service.”
Staff who were recognised at the event were:
Angela Finan, Junior Theatre Sister
Wendy Goodwin, Paediatric Staff Nurse
Hazel Hullock, Hotel services
Annette James, CMHT Co-ordinator
Hilary James, Hotel Facilities Assistant
Iona Jones, Theatre Personnel
Jacqueline McConville, SCBU Sister
Gwenfair Pearson, Registered Nurse, Theatres
Dyfrig Sharp, Estates
The health board looks forward to celebrating many more staff members who have served 40 years in the local NHS and will be taking nominations from staff ahead of the next event.
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