Over 100 healthcare workers who have reached major milestones in their NHS career were honoured at an awards ceremony celebrating their long service.
Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust held their Long Service Awards today (Dec 5), recognising staff who reached 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 years of service in 2025.
Staff at the Trust who have received their Long Service Award this year have a combined total of over 7000 years of service within the NHS.
The event was held at the Midland Met and hosted by Chair Sir David Nicholson and Chief Executive Diane Wake, who said: “Long Service Awards celebrate the commitment of staff who have dedicated many years of their career to the NHS.
“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to these exceptional members of staff for all their years of hard work.”
A cohort of nurses who came to work for the Trust in 2005 from the Philippines picked up their awards for 20 years of service at the ceremony together.
Practice Placement Nurse Diana Comahig said: “We have been like a family since we came to the UK and have always been by each other’s side, so it’s very rewarding to receive these awards together.
“It feels very fulfilling to have our dedication to the NHS recognised.”
The awards ceremony follows a series of smaller events that were held throughout the year for staff who reached their long service milestones during the pandemic, when an in-person ceremony wasn’t held.
Data Quality Officer Jane Proctor was presented with a certificate of recognition by the chief executive for 40 years of service. She said: “Today has made me emotional because I’ve seen lots of people that I’ve worked with throughout the years that I haven’t seen in a while. The camaraderie in the room has been amazing.
“I’m quite proud to be part of a fantastic organisation and I would like to thank everyone who organised the event today.
“This award for 40 years is something very special to pass down to my children and show them what you can achieve by working hard.”