Celebrating 40 years’ service: “I have always loved coming to work and feeling that I can make a difference.” | Latest news

Staff member Lianne Finnerty has looked back on four decades at the NHS after receiving her 40 Years’ Service Award from Chief Executive Anthony May.

Lianne, who has a dual role as Head of Quality, Risk & Safety for Cancer and Associate Specialities and Designated Individual for the Trust Human Tissue Authority Post Mortem Licence, was given her Long Service Award at a celebration afternoon tea last week which honoured 25, 35 and 40 years NHS service. In total the event celebrated over 1,000 years of service.

Lianne began working at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) on 1 August 1989, after six years at University Hospitals Leicester NHS Trust (UHL).

Reflecting on 40 years’ service Lianne said: “I have always loved coming to work and feeling that I can make a difference. I have been part of many improvements over the years and have worked with lots of wonderful and knowledgeable people who care about improving their services for the patients we look after.”

Since joining NUH as a senior Biomedical Scientist, Lianne has had multiple job roles including Chief Biomedical Scientist, Union Health and Safety representative, chair of the Cellular Pathology Health and Safety committee, Cellular Pathology Quality Manger and Pathology Quality Manager. She also returned to the department where it all began as Cellular Pathology Manager.

During Lianne’s career, Pathology services at NUH have changed and evolved. Changes have included a joint service with UHL where Lianne was Head of Quality and Service Improvement covering five hospital sites. UHL and NUH now have their own Pathology services.

Lianne said: “I have seen lots of change in the way we do things, changes within accreditation and inspection processes, risk and safety processes, advances in technology and the increased use of automation and electronic systems. Many of the Pathology analysers are now smaller and can provide quicker results, all of which benefits our patients.”

Lianne, who was the only staff member to celebrate 40 years at the event, said: “It was lovely for my long service to be acknowledged at the afternoon tea event. It makes me feel very proud to work at NUH.”

Other attendees at the celebratory event included Senior Interpreting and Translation Services Innovation Lead, Renata Towlson, who celebrated 25 years’ service.

Renata got a job at NUH after relocating to the UK after meeting her husband. She joined Team NUH as administration bank staff and never looked back.

After joining NUH full time Renata completed her postgraduate studies to progress to more senior roles.

Renata said: “I am not into awards however; this one moved me deeply. It was a touching tribute and made me reflect on the NHS and the professional achievements in my life so far.”

Chief Executive Anthony May and Chief Nurse Michelle Rhodes attended the event to celebrate and present the attendees with their NHS long service badge and a certificate.

Michelle Rhodes said: “I have always championed our Long Service Awards which celebrate those who have dedicated 25, 35 and 40 years’ service to the NHS.

“It was a privilege to honour 1000 years’ service, commitment, and skills at my last long service celebration before retirement. The fact so many have stayed here and devoted their lives to the patients we care for is one of the many things that makes NUH so special.”

Long service is celebrated at NUH once a quarter with an afternoon tea event and award presentations.