NHS staff celebrate 1,500 years’ service
Over 1,500 years of combined employment of NHS staff was celebrated at the annual long services awards for the Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT).
More than 50 staff members’ combined service totalled 1,545 years and the event honoured those who have reached 20, 30, 40, and 45-year milestones in their NHS careers.
Chief Executive Sarah Connery and Trust Chair Kevin Lockyer led the celebrations, thanking staff for their commitment to delivering outstanding care in mental health, learning disabilities and autism services.
Among those recognised was Kelly Moran (pictured above), a Research Nurse who began her journey with LPFT in 2004 as a nursing assistant at the Francis Willis Unit in Lincoln.
“I’ve been so lucky to be supported throughout my career,” Kelly said. “From secondments to completing my nurse training, to opportunities in both rehabilitation and research, LPFT has always invested in me. Whether you want to grow or stay in a role you love, the Trust supports you either way. It’s a friendly place to work, and the people within it make it feel like a family.”
Kelly shared one incident that highlighted the impact of her work: “I recently saw a service user I hadn’t seen in 18 years. They remembered me because of my smile. That kind of connection stays with you.”
Maria Lea (pictured below) is now a Project Support Officer in the Digital and Data Services team and has also had a varied and fulfilling career across different NHS roles before joining LPFT in 2018.
“Every day is different, and I absolutely love it,” Maria said. “The team I work with is kind, caring and supportive. LPFT encourages you to grow and do well in life. I’ve had a few roles here, and I’ve found the one that really fits.”
Sarah Connery praised the dedication of all award recipients: “It’s a privilege to celebrate the careers of so many passionate and committed colleagues. Their stories show the heart of LPFT—supportive, innovative and people-focused. They are a credit to the NHS, and I hope their journeys can inspire others.”
