Published on: 25 April 2024
A Ward Administrator at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has been recognised for 40 years of long service with the NHS – during which time she has gone from cutting patients’ hair to managing a range of duties to support nurses and doctors looking after people with acute mental health needs. 
Liz Whittaker received her 40 Years’ Service Award recently from Chief Executive, Mark Powell. This award especially recognises the dedication and valuable contribution of employees over the course of their NHS careers.
In 1983, Liz began her career working for the NHS at Southern Derbyshire Health Authority as a Patients’ Hairdresser at Pastures Hospital.
Liz said: “After completing my hairdressing apprenticeship in 1982, I applied for a temporary role as a hairdresser at what used to be known as Pastures Hospital. I worked in this role for 10 years until the hospital closed and I moved to the Radbourne Unit.
“The idea of change is not something I am fond of, but I went with it and glad I did as it has welcomed new and exciting challenges.”
Liz later worked across two different teams in Adult Mental Health services for Derbyshire Healthcare as a Ward Clerk and later as a Ward Administrator – working across four wards.
“Processes have moved on from when I first started working for the Trust. There were no computers and everything was recorded on paper and in files. I recall only having one communal printer for the whole unit. In those days there were a lot of secretaries who were patiently waiting for their turn to use it. We also had a fax machine which was kept at the main reception desk.
“I have witnessed great change in the organisation. For instance, there were no porters back then. We had to collect and deliver all post to the wards and secretaries by foot as well as administer blood samples to the main hospitals, which was then known as Derby City General Hospital. As demand grew, I had to take on more duties which involved looking after four wards for eight years. It was clear that a Ward Clerk was needed and this role was assigned to me.
“A couple of years down the line, I was then asked to take on more duties as Ward Administrator. It's hard to believe where I was when I first started to where I am now, but I have learnt a lot,” added Liz.
Mark Powell, Chief Executive at Derbyshire Healthcare, thanked Liz for her impressive length in service and said: “Liz is an exceptional colleague who has devoted 40 years of her time making a real impact on the communities we support.
“It is only right that we celebrate this milestone and thank Liz for all her hard work over the many years she has worked at this Trust and in the NHS as a whole – it is also interesting to reflect on how far the Trust and the NHS has come in those 40 years.”
Liz was pleased with Mark’s visit to celebrate the news and said: “It has been such a rewarding time working for the NHS. I am proud to have got to this point in my career but still shocked at where the years have gone!
“I have learnt so much and grown to love the job I do because I know I am part of the chain of people helping our patients and their families gain the support they need.”
