With over 15,000 employees, the memories and advice from staff are not only invaluable, but important to our history. Over the last 70 years, we have seen many changes within our hospitals and wanted to hear staff’s memories and advice.
What advice would you give to someone who was thinking about working in the NHS?
It's not always pretty, it's not always easy but it is the best career. No matter whereabouts you work, whether as a domestic, or a Head of Operations, it will make a positive difference to a patient's life which is ultimately why we do what we do.
Sally Le-Good, General Manager, Leicester General Hospital, with the NHS since 1992
Do you have a key memory from your time working in the NHS?
In 1975 I was delighted to be asked if I would reception the Ultrasound Scan in the Maternity Unit making appointments for pregnant ladies where there could actually see their babies for the very first time and for the radiologist to detect any problems. I could hear squeals of joy from Mums to be seeing their babies for the very first time on the monitor.
Pamela Crawford, Receptionist, Leicester General Hospital, with the NHS since 1994
What advice would you give to someone who was thinking about working in the NHS?
Go for it. The opportunities can be amazing, it's hard work, very challenging at times, but so rewarding!
Jo Dawson, Freedom to Speak up Guardian, Glenfield Hospital, with the NHS since 2008
How would you describe the NHS in one word?
Lifesaver.
Bertha Mulenga, Deputy Sister, Glenfield Hospital, with the NHS since 2001
Do you have a key memory from your time working in the NHS?
A patient I resuscitated, thanking me on his 65th birthday, as in his opinion he wouldn't have been here to do so if it wasn't for me.
Jo Taylor, Deputy Sister, Glenfield Hospital, with the NHS since 1987
What advice would you give to someone who was thinking about working in the NHS?
Wonderful place to work for, if you are willing to give that little bit extra. It is not a job - its passion.
Ushakumari Mehta, Ward Manager, Royal Infirmary, with the NHS since 1982
Do you have a key memory from your time working in the NHS?
When I was asked at my daughter’s school what my job was, I was proud to say I work for the emergency team at the UHL NHS Hospital.
Steve Bates, Theatre Practitioner, Royal Infirmary, with the NHS since 1994-2000 then again in 2016
Do you have a key memory from your time working in the NHS?
Yes - it is the happiness and emotion on the faces of my patients when they have reached success in their therapy sessions. Whether this is being able to reach for a drink, comb their own hair, self-propel in a wheelchair, stand to make a meal or be able to actually get home when they thought that was a distant wish. All the emotions make this such a rewarding job.
Carla Barrett, Clinical Specialist Occupational, Leicester General Hospital, with the NHS since 1996
Do you have a key memory from your time working in the NHS?
Knowing that I make a difference is very satisfying. I always remember patient’s appreciation throughout my career.
Lorraine Higgott, Homecare Medicines Pharmacy Technician, Leicester General Hospital, with the NHS since 2007
Do you have a key memory from your time working in the NHS?
One of my great memories from the eighties is St Lukes cafe which was in the Victoria grounds near the chapel if u had a bad day this was the place to chill out, especially the nurses and doctors. I have loads of phone memories over the years of working here.
Andrew Gourley, Unit support, Royal Infirmary, with the NHS since 1982
Do you have a key memory from your time working in the NHS?
I embrace change, and the NHS is forever changing.The roles of the nurses and our HCAs will change, and we have become quite passionate in trying to accomplish this change
Jenny Carey, Staff Nurse, Leicester General Hospital, with the NHS since 2000
Do you have a key memory from your time working in the NHS?
The night i was working as a trained A&E nurse on the night of the Kegworth air Disaster. a night when the team on duty worked in the most awesome way TEAMWORK on the part every multi professional person on duty.
Gail Williams, Deputy Ward Sister, Royal Infirmary, with the NHS since 1972
Do you have a key memory from your time working in the NHS?
I have not been with NHS long but that does not take way anything from my moments with the trust. Every moment is a memory when you get to help people regardless of your role.
Chase Babbage, Admin and Clerical Worker, Glenfield Hospital with the NHS since 2018
Do you have a key memory from your time working in the NHS?
When we used to dish the food up onto plates along a belt back in the day this was one of the most enjoyable parts of our job all working together. And Christmas time when all the Managers served Christmas meals to all the staff.
Jane Toon, Zonal Coordinator, Coalville Hospital with the NHS since 1990
Do you have a key memory from your time working in the NHS?
My biggest lasting memory is of the camaraderie between all staff when working busy stressful shifts. Everyone works together to ensure patient safety. Working with children who have chronic conditions that mean they cannot communicate in the usual fashion has been challenging but so special. These children and their families have so much courage and give so much joy they make working in the NHS truly special.
Tee Taylor, Staff Nurse, Royal Infirmary, with the NHS since 1979
Do you have a key memory from your time working in the NHS?
I came to GGH in Jan 1985 after it opened in Oct 1984 as a newly qualified nurse and have helped set up the hospital opening various wards and watching it grow. With my mum, husband and a few other people we started the social club providing social support and activities for the staff. We did this by raising money through car boots on the car park, annual summer fetes etc.
Sue Havinden, Night Duty Manager, Glenfield Hospital, with the NHS since 1981
Do you have a key memory from your time working in the NHS?
I have had many memories in my 55 years in Nursing, some good, some bad, some quite amusing. I think one of my key memories must be the day I walked onto the ward for the first time as a Sister. I'd "arrived".
Christine Glover, Staff Nurse, Royal Infirmary with the NHS since 1963
