Celebrating 760 years of service at West Middlesex!

The commitment of staff who have clocked up over 760 years of service between them was celebrated at West Middlesex University Hospital at the end of January.

The annual Long Service Awards recognise and reward staff members who have put in over ten years of service.

50 employees attended the event after achieving one of the significant milestones of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years, and this year it was mostly female staff!

Dame Jacqueline Docherty, Chief Executive, spoke at the awards of the knowledge, skills and experience contributed by everyone there, the strong sense of teamwork across the hospital, and the wide range of roles which play a part in patients receiving safe, excellent care.  

Nina Singh, Director of Workforce and Development, said: “The ceremony is a way to say an official ‘thank you’ and acknowledge the service given by staff over many years.West Middlesexis a hospital where many staff settle and stay with us, live nearby and form part of the local community. That’s quite special for a London hospital and we hope to preserve that.”

Josephine Tidon has worked at West Middlesex for over ten years and is a Sister on the acute medical and assessment units. She said: “I started as a staff nurse and have been supported to train and develop my skills to become a Sister. I am also raising a young family so I appreciate how family friendly it is here. I live in Isleworth and I feel quite passionately about working at my local hospital.”

Gita Mistry, orthopaedics nurse specialist and trauma co-ordinator from West Drayton, agreed. She has been at the hospital for over 25 years. She said: “I started as a part time staff nurse while I was raising my family and when my children were grown up I was able to work full time. There were opportunities to progress so I became a ward sister and now I specialise in looking after patients needing surgery on fractured bones.”

Specialist nurse Guillian Anderson started her nursing career at West Middlesex in the orthopaedics department over 25 years ago before moving to the ENT (ear nose and throat) department in 1990 and has been there very since. She said: “The hospital has always been a very friendly place, and I feel that there is respect between everyone for the different roles that we all do.” 

Margaret Ware, from Hounslow, has worked as a healthcare assistant at the hospital for over ten years in the surgical department. She said: “I really enjoy my role and working with the team here. Part of my role can be providing reassurance to people who are nervous about their surgery and I enjoy being able to chat to them before their surgery and help put their minds at ease.”  

Jusbeer Ahluwalia, from Isleworth, started her nursing career at West Middlesexover 30 years ago. She joined as a staff nurse and has worked in almost every surgical ward in the hospital. She said: “Over the years I trained specifically in urology and in 2000 I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree to become a nurse practitioner. I’ve worked in this role ever since, dedicated to looking after patients with a variety urinary disorders. I’ve always found the hospital to be a very pleasant place to work and I enjoy being close to home.”

The longest serving staff member at the ceremony was midwife Philomena Laurence from Hayes who has worked in the maternity department for 35 years. She said: “I have carried out many roles in that time but I enjoy the labour ward the most, and working with colleagues who are also my friends.”

Philomena was joined by fellow midwives Charmaine King-Bapstiste, who was awarded for 15 years’ service, and Emer Millarwho had achieved 25 years’ service. Charmaine said: “There is such variety in the maternity department now, and it’s good to be part of a service that’s expanding and going from strength to strength.” Emer said: “I worked in various hospitals before coming toWest Middlesex. There is great support for staff here and the doctors are very accessible.” 

The last word goes to endoscopy nurse Olive Davy, from Bedfont, who was awarded for 30 years’ service. She said: “I’ve worked in various nursing roles and feel it’s important to mention other staff at the hospital such as porters because without them the rest of the services wouldn’t be able to function.”