Staff who have recently celebrated 20 or 30 years working at our Trust have received long service awards at a special event.

25 of our wonderful colleagues were treated to afternoon tea and presented with certificates and gift vouchers at Orsett Hall on Monday 25 April as a thank you for their commitment to our Trust.

The awards were presented by our Chair Jacqui Smith Chief Executive Matthew Trainer.

Among the staff who received long service awards is Bridget D’Aliesso, a palliative care clinical nurse specialist.

“I love nursing and I love palliative care,” Bridget said. “I started my career more than 30 years ago because I want to care for people and make a difference in their lives.

“I got a bit emotional when I received my certificate but I’m really proud. Our jobs can be difficult but this makes me feel valued and I wouldn’t do anything else!”

Two other members of staff who received awards are Marissa Lickfold and Milagros Inandan.

Staff nurse Marissa and acute care respiratory nurse Milagros both moved from the Philippines in 2001 to join our Trust.

Marissa, who retired in March, said: “Moving to the UK and working for BHRUT changed my life. I came here as a single parent and I met my husband Alan who worked for the Trust as well.

“I really love working in the NHS and I’ve treasured my 20 years here. The Long Service Award is a really nice memory in my treasure box to remember the time I’ve had here.”

Milagros said: “I’ve stayed so long at this Trust because it feels like home. Everyone was so welcoming when I first joined, which helped a lot because it was so different to the Philippines.

“I started working here in the winter and it was so cold and snowing, which I had never seen before!

“The awards are so memorable for everyone who is here and it’s been a really good day.”

Jacqui Smith said: “It’s a huge privilege to recognise the contribution our long serving staff make to our Trust. A lot has changed in our organisation since they started and their commitment throughout is remarkable.”

Matthew Trainer added: “It was wonderful to celebrate the staff who have given so much of their lives to our Trust. Their dedication is inspiring and I’m grateful to have them as colleagues.”