Published on: 26th February 2026
Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) has proudly celebrated the dedication of 53 long-serving staff members, whose combined service to the NHS totals 1,355 years. The Trust’s annual Long Service Awards, held in February, brought together colleagues from across Lincolnshire to honour those who have reached 20, 30, 40, and even 45-year milestones in their NHS careers.
Chief Executive Sarah Connery and Deputy Trust Chair Di Bailey led the celebrations, thanking staff for their unwavering commitment to delivering outstanding care in mental health, learning disabilities, autism and dementia services.
Among those recognised was Alan Garner, a Senior Healthcare Support Worker on The Wolds; a reablement ward in Lincoln where he helps people with daily living skills to integrate back into the community. Receiving his 20 years award he said:
“I’ve worked in my current role for 6 years, but I’ve been working in the Trust for 20 years.
“I enjoy my role immensely; it gives me a sense of reward to play a part in helping people to progress into the community.
“I don’t feel I do anything special — I just do my best — but the support of my team has helped me grow and become better at what I do. Working in the NHS brings out the qualities you already have, and there’s nothing more fulfilling than knowing you’ve made a difference in someone’s life.”
Lynsey Woodman, Specialist Occupational Therapist and Lead for the Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Service also received her 20 years award. She said:
“Working in the NHS has given me opportunities I never imagined when I started as an Occupational Therapy Assistant 28 years ago.
“I’ve been supported to grow, to innovate, and to do what’s right for patients alongside a team that thinks boldly and shares the same values. Looking back today has reminded me how far we’ve come together — it’s been an incredibly rewarding career in a truly inclusive Trust.”
Sarah Connery, Chief Executive of LPFT, expressed her gratitude and praised the dedication of each award recipients. She said:
“Attending the Long Service Awards is one of the greatest privileges of my role. It’s a moment to pause and recognise the extraordinary dedication of colleagues who have devoted so many years to caring for our patients and supporting our services.
“I am deeply grateful to each member of staff honoured at this year’s awards; their commitment makes a real difference to the lives of the people we serve.”
