More than 330 staff with a total of 8460 years of service between them have received Long Service Awards from NHS Forth Valley. They include NHS Forth Valley Phototherapy Nurse, Jayne Field and recently retired Estates Supervisor Eamon O’Hare who have each notched up an incredible half a century of NHS service.
Two special award ceremonies were held at Forth Valley Royal Hospital to present staff with a specially designed pin badge and award certificate. The event was hosted by NHS Forth Valley’s Chief Executive Ross McGuffie and Chair Neena Mahal.
Jayne Field, who works as a Phototherapy Nurse in the Dermatology Department at NHS Forth Valley, said: “I trained at the West Suffolk Hospital, moving to Scotland in the mid-80s. I have worked in many different specialities over the years before finally settling in the Dermatology Phototherapy department around 1994, where I found my niche.
“I would say nursing is not just something we do, but who we are. I love my job and feel very privileged to still be able to continue and contribute.”
Among those celebrating 40 years’ service was Kay Mair, NHS Forth Valley’s Lead Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist. She said: “I started my training in 1983 and have worked in a number of locations across Scotland, including Bangour, Raigmore, Law Hospital, Stirling and Falkirk Royal Infirmaries. It was at Falkirk District and Royal Infirmary that I helped establish the Parkinson’s service alongside excellent consultant colleagues who taught me so much.
“Over the years, I’ve seen the NHS change from a paper-based organisation to a digital one, with new initiatives and treatments becoming available for our patients. I’ve also witnessed significant developments, including new hospital facilities, new uniforms, the opening of a modern hospital in 2010, and the growth of a wider range of healthcare roles, with nurses and physiotherapists taking on extended responsibilities.
“Services have continued to evolve too, with the introduction of departments such as Hospital at Home and the expansion of day services including Day Medicine and Day Surgery.
“Throughout my career, working with patients has always been the most rewarding, and at times the most challenging, part of the job. I’m delighted to receive my long service award and can hardly believe how quickly the years have passed.”
On receiving her 30 years’ service award, Senior Health Improvement Officer, Aileen Schofield reflected: “I never planned to work for the NHS this long, it was my first job straight out of university, but 35 years later I’m immensely proud that I did. I’ve seen extraordinary change, from typewriters, huge computers and motorbike couriers to email, virtual working and AI.
“Throughout that journey though, it’s always been the people who make the NHS special. I’ve worked alongside some incredible colleagues whose compassion, integrity and commitment have shaped me and inspired my own career. Supporting people to be healthier, happier and safer at work has been hugely rewarding, and I’m proud to have played my part in making a positive difference over the last 35 years.”
NHS Forth Valley’s Chair, Neena Mahal, said: “It was a real privilege to celebrate with colleagues who have given so many years of dedicated service to the NHS. Behind every award are countless moments of care, compassion and commitment. These awards are an opportunity to recognise that remarkable contribution and to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone.”
NHS Forth Valley’s Chief Executive, Ross McGuffie, added: “Our long-serving colleagues have made an enormous contribution to local patients, families and communities across Forth Valley. The NHS has changed considerably throughout their careers, but their commitment to providing high-quality care and services has remained constant. I am incredibly grateful for their dedication, experience and everything they continue to bring to our organisation.”
Of those receiving awards, 192 celebrated 20 years’ service, 96 had served 30 years, 41 had achieved 40 years’ service with the NHS and two members of staff received an award for 50 years’ service. The majority of recipients had a nursing or midwifery background however staff from all areas were recognised for their long service, including medical, administration, support services and allied health professionals.
