Long-serving RJAH staff celebrated for dedication to patient care

The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) hosted its annual Long Service Awards to honour 13 remarkable staff members who began their NHS careers in 1996.

It was the year the Spice Girls burst onto the scene with their debut single Wannabee, which climbed to No.1 in the UK Singles Chart, while Trainspotting became one of the most talked-about films of the year. 

Dolly the Sheep made history as the world’s first cloned mammal, and the Royal Family saw significant change with the divorces of the Duke and Duchess of York and the Prince and Princess of Wales.

It was in this same year that a group of healthcare workers made a move of their own and began their NHS careers – marking 30 years of dedication and care to patients.

A total of 13 members of staff who have clocked up 30 years of service to the NHS were honoured in the annual Long Service Awards at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital. Together, they have accumulated almost 400 years of service between them.

They were presented with certificates and vouchers by Trust Chair Harry Turner and Chief Executive Stacey Keegan.

Harry said: “The Long Service Awards are truly one of the highlights of my year, as it is such an honour to be able to pay tribute to remarkable people who have given decades of service to the NHS.

“One thing I have always been clear about is that the NHS’s greatest asset is its people, and here at RJAH we are lucky to have some truly outstanding people.

“Many of those we had with us today have spent their entire NHS career with RJAH, and we thank them for their dedication and commitment. It is wonderful for me that I get to thank them on behalf of all of our patients.”

Stacey added: “On behalf of the Executive Team, and also on behalf of the NHS, I would like to thank all our staff who have received their long service award for their commitment to caring for patients over the past 30 years.

“Thirty years' service to the NHS is an extraordinary achievement and I’m humbled by the knowledge and experience you all bring to this Trust, day-in, day-out.”

All the staff members presented with a certificate and voucher have dedicated 30 years of more of service either at the Oswestry-based hospital or elsewhere in the NHS.