A nurse in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, has been formally recognised for her 50 years of continuous service to the NHS. Lesley Newton-Griffiths, who currently works with local families and schools, received a special award on 23 February 2026 to celebrate her long career in clinical care.
She currently serves as a health protection unit nurse for the Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, a role that involves managing community health and safeguarding. Mark Powell, the chief executive of the trust, presented the award and praised her dedication to patient care over the last five decades.
Her long-standing experience provides residents with expert care through local community and mental health services. The trust is using her milestone to encourage others to join the healthcare profession and view current openings through Derbyshire Healthcare Jobs.
Local residents can nominate other healthcare workers who provide excellent service through the monthly DEED (Delivering Excellence Every Day) scheme or the annual HEARTS awards. Nominations can be submitted via the trust website or by emailing their awards department to ensure local expertise continues to be celebrated.
