A STAGGERING 7,000 years of NHS service by 280 members of staff has been honoured at a long service awards ceremony.

The awards shone the spotlight on staff who have reached a key milestone of 25 years service at East Lancashire Hospitals Trust (ELHT).

Over 100 long-serving staff accepted invitations to the ceremony at the Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital's Grane Restaurant.

Staff were each presented with a commemorative certificate and £50 shopping voucher as a small token of the trust’s appreciation.

One of the award winners was specialist breast care curse Cath Farmer, who has worked at the trust for 26 years

She said: “Ever since I joined the School of Nursing at Burnley General Teaching Hospital, I can say without a doubt that working for the NHS in East Lancashire has been a privilege.

“Over the years, my place of work has changed but the attitude of my colleagues in the Breast Care service hasn’t - we work as a team and do all we can to provide the best care for our patients. Working in this job is a vocation and I look forward to many more good nursing years.”

Another, telephonist Elaine Wood, a 27-year ELHT veteran who previously served as domestic assistant, porter and chargehand porter, said: “It’s been a pleasure to work with some wonderful colleagues down the years, there’s a real sense of community here and it’s good to know you’re working for the good of local people.”

Podiatrist Jane Downham from Baxenden, who joined East Lancashire Hospitals in 1990, said:“I thoroughly enjoy my job at Accrington PALS.

"During the last 27 years I’ve had great satisfaction from working alongside some wonderful colleagues and patients.”

The Long Service Awards were presented by ELHT chief executive Kevin McGee and chairman, Professor Eileen Fairhurst.

Mr McGee said: “As an organisation we are passionate about recognising staff who show commitment and dedication to the Trust and the work they do.

"“This is why we celebrate the wealth of experience and expertise of our 280 staff members who have devoted the majority of their working lives to their local hospitals. The ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate this great achievement together and thank these members of staff for their continuous service.”