A TREMENDOUS 1,400 years' worth of NHS service from staff at the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust has been honoured at an awards ceremony.

At the Trust's Long Service Awards, held at the Chateau Impney near Droitwich, 54 members of staff received awards for either 25 or 40 years of committed, hard work at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Kidderminster Hospital and Treatment Centre and the Alexandra Hospital.

Patrick Gaffney, senior orthopaedic practitioner from St John's in Worcester, has worked for the trust for 40 years.

He said: "I can say without a doubt that working for the NHS in Worcestershire has changed my life. Helping people with broken bones, setting casts and splints knowing they will heal and get better is so satisfying and rewarding.

"My place of work may have changed, but the attitude of my colleagues hasn't - we all work part of a team and do all we can to create a warm friendly atmosphere for patients.

"I love the people I work with and what I do. Working in this job is a vocation and I look forward to many more good years."

Mr Gaffney, along with other staff celebrating 40 years' service, was presented with a glass trophy, while those marking 25 years were given a silver paperweight.

The Long Service Awards were created by the trust to recognise, acknowledge and congratulate the exemplary work carried out by staff across each of its three hospital sites.

Chris Tidman, chief executive for Worcestershire Acute Hospital Trust, said: "Our hospitals have a very special place in people's hearts - they are not businesses or factories – they are very special places, and it’s a privilege to be part of a workforce providing quality healthcare services in the community.

"My priority is that our staff are recognised and feel valued for the amazing work that they do. These awards demonstrate the commitment each person has made over the years and what they continue to do for the trust.

"I congratulate them all on reaching such a tremendous milestone."