Support worker for Stamford Community Mental Health Team marks 45 years with NHS

A mental health support worker has been recognised for 45 years' work with NHS.

Sixty-two dedicated NHS staff at Lincolnshire’s mental health, learning disabilities and autism trust have had their decades of service recognised at a special celebration event.

Between them staff have accomplished an impressive 1,480 years of service.

Lynn Davies, a senior healthcare support worker in the Stamford Community Mental Health Team, was one of four staff to reach the 45 year milestone.

She said: “It doesn’t seem at all like 45 years, and I still enjoy it. I remain incredibly passionate and I love helping people.”

Lynn started her career in 1977 as a domestic assistant, then a ward orderly before moving onto direct patient care roles from there.

She is now one of the longest serving staff at the Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT).

Lynn said: “There have been so many changes over the years. Now we have much more of a focus on community-based services and it’s been such a positive improvement as people get better more quickly at home.

“I absolutely recommend LPFT as a place to work. The trust has been incredibly supportive and helped me to stay at work for as long as I have.”

Helping others runs in the family as Lynn’s mum was a support worker for 30 years and her son has completed a nursing qualification at the University of Lincoln.

The trust’s Long Service Awards are held every year and recognise staff who have 20, 30, 40, or even 45 years of continuous NHS service.

Sarah Connery, chief executive of the trust, said: “It is a great honour to be able to congratulate so many passionate staff who have dedicated so much of their lives to working for the NHS.

“We understand how important it is to recognise the amazing efforts of our staff and particularly reward them when they achieve such impressive milestone years.”