Celebrating 3,300 years of NHS service

A mother who journeyed to the UK during the Windrush era to become a nurse and a brother’s strength and resilience while living with his disabilities, were just some of the moving stories shared by NHS colleagues about why they chose a career in healthcare.

Longstanding colleagues from Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (KCHFT) shared their stories at a special awards afternoon, recognising long service milestones from 15 to 50 years.

“Nursing is not just my career – it is who I am,” Senior Learning Disability Community Nurse, Louise April Chick-Smith said, as she marked her 30-year career in the NHS.

“From the very beginning my life has been shaped by care. My twin brother, Christopher, was born with hydrocephalus and spina bifida. Much of his childhood was spent in hospital, sometimes for as long as 18 months at a time.

“Watching his strength and resilience and seeing the dedication of the nurses who cared for him, gave me a clear sense of purpose. I knew I wanted to become a nurse and to dedicate my life to supporting people with disabilities to live as fully as possible.”

Louise, whose career highlights include delivering thousands of covid vaccinations and supporting future nurses in their placements, said: “Writing ‘community nurse’ on my marriage certificate remains one of my proudest moments.”

Joining Louise was Senior Clinical Nurse Specialist Brenda Hollier (pictured on the far right below), who works in our East Kent Sexual Health Team.

Reflecting on four decades in healthcare, Brenda said: “I’ve spent most of my life in the world of nursing. Mum has always been my inspiration. She was a nurse too, one of the many who came to the UK during the Windrush period.

“I still remember going along with her for shifts when I first showed an interest in nursing. I loved the smell of the wards, the rhythm of care, the quiet dignity in helping someone feel human again.”

Soon to retire, Brenda now works part time while caring for her mum, who lives with dementia.

“The NHS has given me the chance to keep doing what I love, while still being present for mum and my grandchildren. Even though I am nearing the end of my nursing career, I want to keep making my mum proud,” continued Brenda.

Brenda was thanked by KCHFT’s Chief Operating Officer Pauline Butterworth, who led the celebrations.

Pauline praised the continued efforts of the people who provide wide-ranging NHS community care in a range of settings including people’s own homes, nursing homes, health clinics, community hospitals, urgent treatment centres and mobile units: “It’s important we take a moment to celebrate our colleagues, who play such an important role in the health of our communities.

“Hearing what influenced people to become a part of the NHS and their personal and professional experiences within it, is not only fascinating but a powerful way to encourage the next generation to join us."

Health Improvement Training Officer One, Charlotte Smyth, explained how her 15-year career has helped her, as much as the people she cares for:

Charlotte said: “Working for the NHS helped me turn pain into purpose.”

Charlotte was diagnosed with Persistent Post-Traumatic Headache (PPTH), after being run over by a car aged 14 and lives with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a rare connective tissue disorder causing painful joint instability and fatigue.

“These health challenges could have held me back, but they gave me a deeper understanding of what it means to live with long-term conditions and the importance of compassionate care,” continued Charlotte.

Beaming with pride, Charlotte told us: “Living with these conditions has deepened my empathy and strengthened my commitment to those I support. The NHS means everything to me — it’s a place where people come first and I’m honoured to be part of it.”

Marking the occasion alongside Louise, Brenda and Charlotte was Health Checks Project Manager, Samantha Scott, who celebrates 15 years in the NHS:

“The NHS helped me feel that I belong,” said Sam.

Samantha moved to the UK from South Africa when she was just 18. Now settled in Ramsgate with her family, she continued: “It was a big change at the time, but one that’s led me to a life I love.

“I belong here and I enjoy being patient-facing and seeing the real benefits our service offers.

“When the project manager role came up, I applied with a ‘why not?’ attitude. I felt out of my depth at first but with the incredible support of my manager, I found my footing. I’ve now been in the role for ten years and still feel proud of that leap of faith.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with brilliant colleagues, watching them grow in confidence, as well as getting promoted and achieving my personal goals.”

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