Nurses honoured for more than a century of service

Six nurses who have clocked up 170 years of loyal service between them are among staff honoured by their trust.

A total of 30 staff with a combined career of 700 years collected awards at an annual ceremony held by Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London.

Nightingale nurse Tina Hemblade completed her training at the trust 34 years ago. She has been a ward sister and a clinical nurse specialist for systemic lupus, and is currently a matron in the outpatient department.

More choices for young nurses

She said: ‘The roles for nurses have expanded enormously – there is so much choice now for a young nurse.

‘Working at the trust has given me many new and exciting opportunities to progress my career – I’ve been constantly learning throughout my time here.’

Critical care charge nurse Terry Prescott trained at the trust in 1987 and began working on its intensive care unit in 1994. He said: ‘It was really nice to be recognised for my hard work. I think I’ll be here until I retire.’

Expertise and commitment

The awards were presented on 7 December by trust chair Sir Hugh Taylor, who said: ‘This is our opportunity to thank staff who have achieved such long service for the trust.

‘That great core of experience, expertise and commitment is one of the things that makes this such a fantastic place to work.’

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