News

The NHS turns 77 years old this weekend, and to mark the occasion we are celebrating some of the Trust's longest serving members.

The National Health Service was only 36 years old when Ali Pedlar began her career as a student nurse in 1984. She joined St Lawrence's Hospital in Bodmin as, in her own words, 'a naïve and quiet student nurse, learning whilst doing the job'.

"Back then the hospital was seen as an old asylum. There was a lot of stigma around the hospital and mental health. Were the high walls to keep people out or keep people in?

"The hospital was not a bad place. Care was second to none, people could come in for respite, had time to recover and there were numerous therapies on offer.

"For many people it was their home and was a self-contained community. It had its own farm, printing works, wire fencing production, CSSD (sterile dressing packs), woodwork shop and gardening.

"Those that could work did and enjoy the social side as well as feel self-satisfaction. There was a social club, with bus trips, café, and theatre. There was even their own banking through patients' accounts. As students we worked in all these departments."

Ali now works as a senior assessment service mental health practitioner at Alexandra House, St Austell.

"I have enjoyed all aspects of my job. Care of the elderly, day hospitals, CPN, assessment practitioner and it has made me the person I am today.

"I am very protective over the NHS and love the work I do, feeling very privileged to hear someone's story often for the first time. To help them understand how they got to this point and enabling people to move forward. This is the greatest reward and gives you so much more than you ever expect.

"41 years in the NHS and still going, when I stop learning I will retire."

Ali attended one of the long service events being held across Cornwall to honour those who have worked for the NHS for 25 years or more. It recognises their hard work and dedication to making life better for people in our local communities.

This Saturday will mark 77 years since the National Health Service was established.

Celebration events are planned across the country to mark the occasion.

At the Trust's long service events, presentations were made by the Trust's chief executive, Debbie Richards, and chair Margaret Schwarz.

At one of the events in Truro, Debbie congratulated NHS staff for their hard work and dedication.

"This is your celebration. We are here today to celebrate every one of you and your significant contribution to the NHS.

"And it is not just the NHS is it? It is to patients, the patients' families, their relatives. Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly really identifies as a place that's really proud of its NHS today.

"You have all given tireless service in whatever role that you have undertaken.

"There will be so many very rich stories from each of you in this room. But the one thing that I know you all share is an absolute commitment to public service and to providing the best possible care to patients.

"The enormity of what you collectively have achieved is worthy of absolute celebration. Please be proud of the contribution that you continue to make today to the Trust."

Susan Lewis has worked for the Trust for 45 years. She was honoured at a long service event in Truro. Susan is a community healthcare assistant at Trevillis House in Liskeard.

Jackie George is a bank community nurse at Newquay Community Hospital. She has worked for the NHS for 46 years. She was congratulated for her loyalty to the NHS at a long service event in Bodmin.

"What an amazing career it has been. Taking me to many interesting places, working with dedicated, passionate colleagues, and most importantly making a difference to so many lives of patients both in the hospital and in the community.

"I have had the privilege to work with such inspiring people and to meet with patients from all walks of life. How wonderful it has been to contribute to society often in ways unseen to the rest of the world and to support patients and families in times of need.

"I thank the NHS for all the opportunities and amazing experiences I have been privileged to be part of over the last 46 years."

Jeremy Hocking was also recognised for his loyal service. He has worked for the Trust for 35 years. He is currently IT business manager for Cornwall IT Services (CITS).

"I have seen many operational and technological changes to the IT service in my 36 years with the NHS. But It still feels good when a colleague or service thanks you for making their day that little bit better."