Sixteen ambulance staff from Bedfordshire and Luton have celebrated a combined 425 years of dedicated healthcare service.
The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) marked the milestone last week (19 June) at the Woodland Manor Hotel in Clapham.
Attendees enjoyed a traditional afternoon tea before receiving their long service awards.
Presenting the honours were Neill Moloney, CEO of EEAST, and Marc Stanbridge, head of clinical operations for Bedfordshire and Luton.
Seven frontline workers received the Ambulance Service Long Service and Good Conduct Medal to mark 20 years on the frontline.
A further 10 colleagues received a coin to celebrate 25 years of service, while one worker achieved an incredible 35 years in the NHS.
Extraordinary service
EEAST CEO Neill Moloney explained that it was an honour to recognise the workforce, noting that they represent “over 400 years of commitment to patient care, compassion, and professionalism”.
Moloney added, “Every year we recognise the extraordinary service of so many individuals in the ambulance service, who each play a vital role in keeping our communities safe and supported”.
The ceremony coincided with the 20th anniversary of the regional trust’s formation.
On 1 July 2006, the separate ambulance services for Essex, East Anglia, and Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire merged into a single regional organisation.
