Happy 76th Birthday NHS!

To mark 76 years of service, our Trust celebrated the NHS’s birthday by gathering staff representing our apprenticeship and preceptorship programmes, as well as those celebrating their own long service in the NHS.

Pete Beckwith, Director of Finance, accompanied by staff from around the Trust, cut the celebration cake at an event held in the Trust’s Lecture Theatre. Pete said, “I feel proud and privileged to work for the NHS. I have been with the Trust for 10 years and on the NHS's birthday, we celebrate its long history of great healthcare for everyone. It is great to see staff at the start of their journeys alongside those who have been with us for a long time coming together on this special occasion.”

Joanne Buxton, Registered Mental Health Nurse, represented the Trust’s preceptorship programme. The Preceptorship Academy supports newly qualified nurses in the early months of their registration, to enhance their skills and grow in confidence as they begin the next step in their careers. Joanne joined the preceptorship programme in January 2024 and completed it last month (June 2024), alongside her new team in Beverley Community Mental Health team. Joanne said, “I am very grateful for the support my team has given me throughout my preceptorship and pleased to have been invited here to celebrate the NHS”. She has been with the Trust for 8 years and started her nurse training in 2020.

Gemma Symington, Career Development Co-ordinator Apprentice, was invited along to the event to represent our Apprenticeship programme. Apprenticeships offer structured training and lead to nationally recognised qualifications; they can take anything from one to five years to complete depending on the level. Gemma began hers very recently, starting her Coaching Professional Level 5 Apprenticeship in May 2024. Gemma said, “My apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to work around my family and the values of the Trust support me to grow and develop, alongside being a parent.”

While Joanne and Gemma are embarking on their new qualifications and careers within the NHS, our Trust also has many staff with exceptional long service. Our Trust holds Long Service Award ceremonies for those that have loyally worked for the NHS and our Trust for many years. Stuart Eskrett, Team Manager at the Humber Centre, joined in 1982 representing an incredible 42 years’ service in the NHS and with our Trust. Remaining with our Trust for such a long time is testament to our fantastic workplace and the commitment of Stuart and all our long service employees.

The Trust would like to take this opportunity to thank every member of staff for their continued dedication and the exceptional work they consistently deliver. And to say ‘Happy Birthday NHS’ to this amazing organisation.