LONG-SERVING staff at Dudley hospitals have been recognised for more than 3,000 years of combined service.

Loyal employees who reached key milestones of 25, 30 and 40 years of service for the NHS in 2023 were celebrated at The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust’s Long Service Awards.

The annual event was hosted by chairman Sir David Nicholson and chief executive Diane Wake.

They said: “Our Long Service Awards recognise the dedication of staff members who have been with the NHS for much of their working lives. It is always a great joy to shine a spotlight on these fantastic members of our Trust at this event and say a huge thank you for their hard work over the years.”

The ceremony saw staff presented with a certificate of recognition, a commemorative length of service badge and a piece of locally handcrafted glassware.

Partners Jannine Hewlett and David Bradley were among those who received awards marking 30 years of service.

Jannine, paediatrics booking co-ordinator, said: "What an amazing day and receiving my 30 years award on the same day as my partner David was something very special. We both gained our 30 years Long Service Award and we have been together for 29 of those 30 years. We are both so happy here at Dudley and look forward to many more years at the Trust.”

Personal assistant Debbie Wright, who received an award for 40 years of service, was “proud” to be recognised and said: "I can’t believe how fast the time has flown by. I started with The Dudley Group just days before Russells Hall Hospital opened, so my first few days were a bit chaotic as we all tried to settle in but what a journey it has been since then and it has been wonderful to work with so many great people over the years."