Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust (CWPT) has celebrated the extraordinary dedication of 117 colleagues who together have given more than 3,180 years of service.
The trust’s annual Long Service Awards ceremony recognised staff who have dedicated decades of their careers to improving the lives of others.
CWPT chief executive Mary Mumvuri said: “The Long Service Awards are one of my favourite events of the year because they celebrate the people who are at the very heart of our NHS. Having worked in the NHS for over 30 years myself, I know how much things have changed over that time, and I also know how those experiences shape us and shape what we do.
“What has never changed is the reason we come to work every day – to care for people, support our communities and make a positive difference in someone’s life. That shared purpose is what connects every generation of NHS staff, whether you’ve worked here for five years or forty.
“Every colleague we recognised has helped shape our trust through periods of change, challenge and innovation, always keeping patients at the centre of what they do. Their dedication, compassion and professionalism are something we should all be incredibly proud of, and it was a privilege to celebrate and thank them for everything they have contributed.”
Among those recognised were Sheri Ashton, head of service for Talking Therapies, celebrating 35 years of NHS service, and Carol Watson, who has dedicated more than 40 years to supporting patients and colleagues.
Sheri began her career as a student mental health nurse in 1990 and has held a wide variety of clinical and leadership roles across mental health services before becoming head of service for Talking Therapies.
Sheri said: “My career has been varied and full of opportunities, which is what has kept me working within the NHS for so many years. I’m proud to work alongside teams who care deeply about the people they support and about each other.”
Carol joined the NHS straight from college at the age of 19 and has spent more than four decades supporting clinical teams across Coventry and Warwickshire, including 25 years as a medical secretary with the psychotherapy team.
Carol said: “I found my perfect fit and the team became my second family, supporting each other through good times and difficult ones. I’ve met wonderful people, learned so much and discovered I’m more resilient than I ever realised. I’ve always tried my hardest in every role and hope I’ve played a small part in helping NHS services run as well as they could.”
