Two separate events were held recently to celebrating years of commitment in Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, one for staff, and one for volunteers.

They were both held to honour years of dedication for staff and volunteers at the trust, which runs Stepping Hill Hospital and community NHS services in Stockport.

The volunteers event was held the hospital restaurant and presented by Chief Executive Karen James OBE and Chair David Wakefield at the hospital restaurant.

Volunteers were each celebrating either 5, 15, 20 or 25 years working at the hospital, with over 150 years of dedication and experience between them.

The longest serving was Charles ‘Skip’ Hamilton with 25 years of service on our Treehouse children’s unit. The awards and meal were an opportunity to thank them all for the vital role they play.

The staff event was held at Stockport County FC’s Edgeley Park Stadium, and recognised those who had served 20, 30 or 40 years in the NHS.

Karen James together with fellow Trust Board members awarded 44 employees at the event and 111 at an earlier event in July, which meant for 1150 years of service in the room, and an amazing 2720 years altogether.

Nurses, midwives, therapists, administrators, personal assistants, pharmacists and many other professions were among those awarded, showing the many roles making up local NHS care.