Mum who has beaten cancer three times among 50 to be honoured at LPFT NHS Long Service Awards

Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) was delighted to recognise staff from a range of services, who between them have accomplished a hugely impressive 1,220 years of NHS service.

Michelle Smith, a Team Secretary for the Learning Disability Service at Johnson Community Hospital in Pinchbeck near Spalding, was just one of many to have their achievement acknowledged at the LPFT Long Service Awards.

The 52-year-old married mum-of-one has successfully overcome three fights against acute myeloid leukaemia since first starting out as a Dispenser and Receptionist at High Street Surgery, now known as Munro Medical Centre, in Pinchbeck in 1990.

She said: “Thirty years is quite an achievement and it is made even more special considering I have beaten cancer three times.

“I am really proud to work for LPFT and the NHS. The Trust has offered me such great support during my cancer treatment and since.

“I have got so much health wise from the NHS but it’s so nice to be able to give something back and help others on a daily basis.”

Also celebrating was June Walker, a Strategic Business Development Manager currently working with the Informatics team at LPFT.

Miss Walker, who lives near Bourne, has reached an impressive 40 years working for the NHS having first started as a Nursing Assistant in Basingstoke in 1980.

“It was great to be recognised,” she said. “I think the NHS is a great institution and we are very lucky to have it.

“LPFT is a very friendly place. I have had lots of opportunities over the years, and lots of help and support from people when I needed it.

“It is a privilege to be a part of a supportive team committed to transforming the lives of the people we care for.”

LPFT’s Long Service Awards are held every year and recognises staff that have achieved the incredible feat of working in the NHS for 20, 30, and 40 years or even longer.

Sarah Connery, Acting Chief Executive of LPFT, said: “It gives me immense pride to recognise the impressive milestones of many of our hardworking staff who have dedicated their lives to working for the NHS.

“We work hard to offer rewarding roles in a valued and supportive environment where we strive to provide the best quality of care we can for our service users.

“All 50 members of staff are a credit to LPFT and the NHS, and I hope many others will be inspired to follow in their footsteps in joining an organisation where we truly can make a difference to people’s lives, every day.”

LPFT has a number of exciting opportunities for people looking to start or continue their NHS career.

You can find out more about working for the Trust at www.lpft.nhs.uk/work-for-us