NHS staff honoured for long service

Three NHS workers from Calderdale were presented with long service awards at special event held by the South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust yesterday. The staff – who have notched up over 77 years NHS service between them – received gift vouchers and certificates at an event held at St Luke’s hospital, Huddersfield.

The three Calderdale staff who received recognition were community psychiatric nurse Kathryn Eccles (25 years NHS service), support worker for people with learning disabilities Gareth Hicks (27 years NHS service) and project manager Liz Sutcliffe (25 years NHS service).

Community psychiatric nurse Kath Eccles said "I started at Storthes Hall hospital in Dewsbury before moving to Calderdale. After some time on acute wards I moved into community mental health services in Halifax. I’ve seen a lot of changes in the 25 years I’ve worked in the NHS – I think the quality of care has improved and people are now treated as individuals with individual needs. Also I think there is less stigma around mental health nowadays, people are more open and accepting about mental health problems."

Trust chief executive Steven Michael who presented the awards said, "This event is a great opportunity for South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust to thank our long serving staff for their remarkable contribution to the NHS. Their hard work and dedication helps to improve the lives of so many people with mental health problems and learning disabilities in the area. I’m delighted to present these awards as a token of the Trust’s appreciation of the commitment shown by these members of staff.”