IPSWICH: Dedicated hospital staff who have worked almost 1,000 years between them are today set to receive awards for their long service.

IPSWICH: Dedicated hospital staff who have worked almost 1,000 years between them are today set to receive awards for their long service.

The group of 38 Ipswich Hospital staff members are all being recognised for working 25 years or more in the NHS. They include nurses, matrons, pathologists, administration staff, consultants and midwives.

The annual awards will be held in the Courtyard Restaurant at the hospital and the recipients will receive a voucher, certificate and a lunch with the hospital's board.

Jan Rowsell, hospital spokeswoman, said: “There are lots of frontline staff getting the award as well as those who do vital work behind the scenes.

“This is a celebration of long service in the NHS. Most people have worked for the full 25 years in this hospital. It just goes to show what fantastically loyal staff we have.

“This is to say a big thank you to everyone.”

One of the hospital's long-serving employees, Rodney Bradbrook, who has already received his award, has just retired from his role as a Diagnostic Imaging porter.

Mr Bradbrook, 65, from north east Ipswich, said: “I have worked at the hospital for 25 years and have many great memories but want to retire to look after my family.”

Rodney's manager Jane Micheal, said: “Rodney is an exceptional porter, a very caring individual who takes the time to talk to his patients and make their journey as comfortable as possible.”

Do you know someone who is retiring after long service and deserves to be recognised? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.