- NHS celebrates 78th birthday on Sunday 5 July
- Bolton’s healthcare workers who have dedicated 25 and 40 years recognised at Long Service Awards
- There are more than 350 different careers available across the NHS in England
Some of Bolton’s most dedicated healthcare workers have been sharing what the NHS means to them as it celebrates 78 years.
The NHS was set up on 5 July 1948 to provide everyone in the UK with healthcare based on their needs, and not on their ability to pay.
At the end of June, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust honoured staff for their dedication to serving Bolton communities at its annual Long Service Awards.
People came together to celebrate more than 30 staff members who have dedicated either 25 or 40 years of service to the NHS at a special ceremony recognising their outstanding commitment and achievements.
‘I take pride in what we do here’
Among them was Susan Hall, a podiatrist who has spent 40 years working in the NHS.
“I was absolutely delighted to be offered a job in Bolton, joining the Bolton Health Authority in 1985 and starting at the beginning of August.
“On my very first day, I was given my timetable and simply told, ‘this is what you’re going to be doing, go and find your job visits.’
“It was very different then; we didn’t have sat navs or digital systems, just a paper map book of Bolton. You had to work everything out by hand, finding your square on the map and following tiny, faint lines to work out where you needed to go. You really had to know how to navigate your way around.
“There was no formal induction or preceptorship as there is for staff today, but I was fortunate to work alongside some wonderful, experienced colleagues who supported me and helped me find my way.”
Lydia Hill worked in the NHS for more than 40 years, most recently as a Senior Health Play Specialist on the children’s ward E5. She reflected on her time in the health service:
“I’ve had the most rewarding career. Many people don’t fully realise what a hospital-based specialist role involves, even after decades of service, but I’ve been fortunate to experience the very best of it, with incredible support throughout.
“I began my career with the Bolton Area Health Authority at 747 Blackburn Road, a respite home for children with learning disabilities. There was also a pre-school unit there, and it was during this time that my own professional development truly began.
“I felt I had a lot to give from a young age, inspired in part by my brother who had learning disabilities.
“That personal connection shaped my pathway and my passion for this work, and I consider myself very fortunate to have started my journey there.”
Rachel Hemmingway, Head of Therapies at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, celebrated 25 years in the NHS.
“I’ve found Bolton supportive, caring, fun, lots of opportunities, lots of friendship, and I take real pride in what we do here.”
More than 350 different careers in the NHS
There are more than 350 different careers available across the NHS in England, offering a huge range of exciting and challenging opportunities for people who want to make a difference.
No matter what area of the NHS you join, you will become part of a team devoted to helping and improving the lives of others.
Whatever your skills, qualifications or interests, there is a career for you in the NHS. Search ‘NHS Careers’ online to find the role for you.
For the latest opportunities available in Bolton, visit the job pages of our website.
