Heartbeat: Long service awards show dedicated NHS workers lead by example yet again

April 23, 2020

In the last few weeks we have been reminded of how important the National Health Service is and how grateful we are to have it.

Not just as colleagues within our organisation but as a nation. We are indeed very lucky to have the service we do, and our organisation is very lucky to have the dedicated colleagues it does.

Across the country we’ve seen a very genuine outpouring of affection towards the NHS and its staff. Before the Coronavirus became a pandemic, we ourselves at Sandwell and West Birmingham took some time to acknowledge those who have dedicated themselves to helping the community as part of the NHS and as a part our Trust.

In February our Chairman, Richard Samuda hosted our most recent NHS Service Recognition Ceremony, where he acknowledged the dedication of well almost 150 colleagues who have served the NHS dutifully for 20 years or more. These included more than 80 staff hitting the two decade mark, with 50 at three decades whilst an astonishing 17 got to celebrate 40 years’ service as part of the NHS.

Among the 17 includes Helen Whiles who has spent her career here. Working her way up from a student technician working in the dispensaries, procurement and on the wards, all the way to Chief Technician for City Hospital – prior to the merging of the two hospital trusts at Sandwell and City.

Emily Horwill spoke to Heartbeat about her friend, jokingly referred to within the management team as ‘Aunty Helen’ for her kind and caring nature to both staff and patients.

“I have only known Helen for two years since joining the organisation and Helen has been really welcoming to me from my first day. She is currently embracing her new role as chief technician for medicines optimisation and can regularly be found on the wards liaising with ward staff about our Pyxis, Unity and Abloy systems to make sure we’re getting the best from them.

“She always enthusiastically takes on board and participates in change within the department and has a brilliant work ethic – and her memory of the organisation is a brilliant resource. Not to mention a source of many stories and tall tales! We’re very, very lucky to have her.”