Jean Lumber – a local radiographer based at Southern Health’s Lymington New Forest Hospital - was celebrated last week for an outstanding fifty years of service in the NHS. Jean was the proud recipient of an NHS Long Service Award which aims to recognise hard-working NHS staff for loyalty and commitment.
Paula Anderson, Southern Health’s Deputy Chief Executive, presented the award whilst in the company of Jean’s friends and colleagues: “It is incredible to think of all the patients and colleagues that Jean has supported during her 50 years in the NHS. It is wonderful to hear and see her passion, commitment and experience which makes a difference, every day, to how our services have been developed and how they are delivered. We are very grateful for all that Jean has done and continues to do working within our diagnostics team at Lymington Hospital.”
Jean joined the NHS in 1973 after leaving school at 17. Jean said, “The training was arduous and expectations high - we trained on the job, cleaned lots and studied hard…and travelled to London for examinations. The only other time I had been to London before then was on a school trip!”
Once qualified, Jean worked in various NHS hospitals and applied to the Territorial Army. She was offered an Officer Cadet role. “I was awarded Best Young Recruit and invited to take a permanent post with the Army, however since female officers were not allowed to do radiography, I declined the offer in order to follow my career in the NHS.”
When asked about her career, Jean explained: “Radiography is a very rewarding profession and so I try to be a role model for radiographers and fly the flag for this amazing job. Even after 50 years, I am still enthusiastic - I feel I have been privileged to have worked in a golden age in the NHS and specifically radiography.”
Jean was joined by her team to celebrate her achievement and she added: “I would like to express my heartfelt thanks for everyone’s efforts and presence in making me feel appreciated and valued as a member of the radiology team.”
Katie Marson, Reporting and Senior Radiographer added; “It has been a pleasure to work with Jean over the last decade. Her knowledge and skills in plain film have been invaluable for my progression and she has been a great mentor. She is always happy to help the team and only a phone call away for advice.”
Karen Kritter, Radiology Service Manager who helped to arrange the presentation concluded: “The morning went really well, Jean was very surprised and overwhelmed, old colleagues came in as well and we all had a lovely time catching up enjoying cake, pastries, tea and coffee.”