Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust (CWPT) has paid tribute to 117 members of staff who between them have clocked up more than 3,180 years of service to patients and communities across the region.
The trust’s annual Long Service Awards ceremony took place on 30 June, honouring colleagues who have spent decades of their careers supporting people across Coventry and Warwickshire’s physical health, mental health and learning disability services.
Chief Executive Mary Mumvuri MBE, who has worked in the NHS for more than 30 years herself, said the awards were among her favourite events of the year, describing them as a celebration of “the people who are at the very heart of our NHS.” She said that although the health service has changed considerably over the decades, the underlying motivation of staff had not: to care for people and make a difference in their lives. Mary said:
“The Long Service Awards are one of my favourite events of the year because they celebrate the people who are at the very heart of our NHS. Having worked in the NHS for over 30 years myself, I know how much things have changed over that time, and I also know how those experiences shape us and shape what we do.
“What has never changed is the reason we come to work every day – to care for people, support our communities and make a positive difference in someone’s life. That shared purpose is what connects every generation of NHS staff, whether you’ve worked here for five years or forty.
“Every colleague we recognised has helped shape our Trust through periods of change, challenge and innovation, always keeping patients at the centre of what they do. Their dedication, compassion and professionalism are something we should all be incredibly proud of, and it was a privilege to celebrate and thank them for everything they have contributed.”
Among those recognised this year were Sheri Ashton, Head of Service for Talking Therapies, who has completed 35 years with the NHS, and Carol Watson, who has notched up more than 40 years supporting patients and colleagues.
Sheri began her NHS career as a student mental health nurse in 1990, going on to hold a range of clinical and leadership roles before taking up her current post. She credited the variety of opportunities within the health service for keeping her in the profession for so long, and praised colleagues who “care deeply about the people they support and about each other.”
Carol joined the NHS straight from college at the age of 19. Over more than four decades she has supported clinical teams across the region, including 25 years as a Medical Secretary with the Psychotherapy Team. Reflecting on her career, she said she had found her “perfect fit” with a team that became like a second family, and that the role had taught her she was more resilient than she had realised.
Also recognised at the ceremony was Raj Auchoybur, who marked an extraordinary 50 years of service to the NHS. He was presented with his award by CWPT Chair Eamonn Kelly.
CWPT said it would continue to share the stories of long-serving colleagues throughout the year as part of its efforts to highlight the dedication behind its services.
The trust provides physical health, mental health and learning disability care to children, young people, adults and older adults across numerous sites in Coventry and Warwickshire, seeing around 5,000 patients a day. Its services currently hold an overall rating of Good from the Care Quality Commission.
CWPT is part of the Coventry and Warwickshire Health and Care Partnership, which brings together the NHS, local government and the voluntary sector to integrate care across the region.
