Celebrating 50 Years of Caring: Trish Gwennap‘s Half-Century with the NHS
The people of Penzance celebrated a truly remarkable milestone this week as Trish Gwennap, a nurse who has devoted 50 years to the NHS, was honoured for her lifetime of service.
Trish’s colleagues surprised her with cake, flowers, and a long service certificate from NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board in recognition of her half century working for the NHS in Penzance.
Reflecting on her incredible career, Trish shared her memories and key highlights: “I’m totally blown away, I had no idea this was happening, it’s amazing. It has been an honour to serve this community. I’ve had the most amazing career, and I love coming to work every day.”
Susan Bracefield, Acting Chief executive and Chief nursing officer for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, joined the celebrations and paid tribute to Trish, saying: "Trish represents the wonderful staff we have across the NHS, who care passionately about their patients and serve their local communities. I'm delighted to be able to join her to celebrate her half century in the NHS.
“This milestone recognises Trish’s commitment and also highlights the dedication, compassion, and professionalism of NHS staff across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”
Trish has been a valued member of her team and a familiar, trusted figure in the local community for decades, caring for generations of patients with compassion and professionalism. GP partner at Atlantic Medical Group - Dr John Ryan said “Trish is such a fantastic and valued member of the team. She has a wonderful manner and is loved by colleagues and patients alike. It’s just great to be celebrating Trish’s 50 years working in her local community.”
Trish’s Journey
Trish’s remarkable 50-year career in healthcare began in 1975 as a hospital domestic at St Michael’s Hospital in Hayle. She went on to work as a Healthcare assistant at West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance before training as a student nurse in Essex. Over the years, Trish’s dedication and compassion led her through a variety of nursing roles, including a long and impactful tenure as a Nurse and Sick children’s nurse at West Cornwall Hospital, where she served for 43 years. Since 2005, she has continued her commitment to patient care as a Practice nurse at a GP surgery in Penzance.
Among her many achievements, Trish’s proudest moment was seeing a former patient, inspired by the care she provided, go on to train and qualify as a nurse themselves, a true reflection of her lasting influence and passion for nursing.
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