Derbyshire Nurse Honored for 50 Years of Dedicated NHS Service
A Derbyshire nurse who has devoted five decades to caring for local communities has been formally recognized for her extraordinary commitment to the National Health Service. Lesley Newton‑Griffiths, currently serving as a health protection unit nurse within Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, was presented with her prestigious 50 Years’ Service Award by chief executive Mark Powell. This celebration honors her longstanding contributions to patient care and her positive impact across the Trust.
From Flying Doctor Dreams to Nursing Excellence
As a young teenager, Lesley initially aspired to become a flying doctor in Australia. However, she soon discovered that her true calling lay in nursing—a profession she chose to pursue so she could care for people in the manner she would want to be cared for herself. This foundational principle has guided her entire career.
A Five-Decade Career Journey
Lesley began her NHS career in 1975, joining the Southern Derbyshire Health Authority as a staff nurse. Following the transfer of services in 2011, she became part of Derbyshire Healthcare after working for Derby City Primary Care Trust, where she continued her work within Children’s Services as a school nurse. In 2018, Lesley transitioned into a health screener role before returning to a nursing post in January 2021.
During the critical COVID-19 period, she spent four months working in the Trust’s vaccine hospital hub team, providing essential support to both staff and patients. Lesley played a leading role in coordinating the Trust’s immunisation efforts for communities across Derbyshire. She later resumed her health screener role within the 0-19 children’s service before assuming her current position within the health protection unit in early 2022.
Reflections on a Milestone Achievement
Reflecting on her remarkable milestone, Lesley shared: “I have enjoyed working as a nurse for the NHS continuously for the last 50 years and have been fortunate enough to work in various practices with many dedicated people.” She speaks fondly of the colleagues and teams she has collaborated with, emphasising how teamwork and communication have profoundly shaped her career.
Lesley continues to receive positive feedback from schools, parents, and colleagues many years later—a testament to the difference she has made in the lives of countless families. “I feel it’s been a huge personal achievement and I’m very proud to have been part of such a wonderful caring profession and accomplished my 50 years NHS milestone,” she added. “A passion and drive for caring for people is what has kept me going for so many years. I always ask myself, if I was a patient how would I like to be treated and then try my best to do just that.”
Admiration from Colleagues and Community
Lesley is admired not only for her clinical expertise but also for her compassion, commitment to public health, and the positive impact she has had on children, young people, families, and colleagues throughout Derbyshire. She recounted a touching encounter: “I often bump into people when I am out and about. In fact, someone I used to support during my school nursing days approached me in the supermarket once and said how well their daughter is doing now and that it was all thanks to the support I provided all those years ago. For someone to remember you after all these years on is what really makes this job special and worthwhile.”
Leadership Praise and Team Appreciation
Mark Powell, chief executive at Derbyshire Healthcare, praised Lesley’s exceptional service, stating: “Reaching 50 years is an extraordinary achievement—something few accomplish. Lesley consistently demonstrates exemplary leadership, and we greatly value her contributions to our organisation. She has made significant contributions as a health protection unit nurse, including dedicated work on flu and COVID-19 vaccination programmes, supporting efforts to maintain health and safety. Lesley has become a key figure in the Trust’s history thanks to her dedication to patient care and her support for her co-workers, so a huge thank you to her.”
Colleagues from the health protection unit also expressed their deep appreciation. One colleague remarked: “It’s a real pleasure to work with Lesley Newton-Griffiths. She is truly a lovely and honest individual who brings kindness, integrity and professionalism to everything she does. Lesley is supportive, approachable and always willing to share her knowledge, making her a valued colleague and a joy to work alongside. Thank you for everything you do for us all—we really appreciate you in our team.”
Another colleague added: “It has been a privilege to work with Lesley. She brings warmth and positivity to everyone she meets and treats colleagues and patients with unwavering kindness. Her 50 years of dedicated service are truly inspirational.”
