75 faces of SWLSTG
The portraits of 75 staff from across South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust (SWLSTG) are going on display as part of the Trust’s celebrations for the NHS’ 75th birthday on Wednesday 5 July.
The portraits, which have been brought together to create a special photo montage, are of staff from a wide range of roles, specialties and diverse backgrounds who work tirelessly to provide outstanding care every day.
Vanessa Ford, Chief Executive, said: “To mark the NHS’ milestone 75th birthday, we wanted to celebrate our incredible, diverse SWLSTG community. The 75 faces featured here represent the hundreds of hardworking and dedicated individuals at the Trust who make a difference every day, and make the NHS such a rewarding place to work. To each and every member of our team – thank you for bringing your whole selves to everything you do for our patients, communities and each other.”
The montage will be displayed on large banners across the Trust’s Summer Street Parties starting at Springfield Hospital on the day of the NHS’ 75th birthday. The street parties are annual events for staff, service users, carers and members of the local community to come together, celebrate and say thank you to each other.
The 75 staff featured in the montage each told us what makes them feel proud to work for the NHS and SWLSTG. Here are some of their testimonials:
“I love being a part of the change and breaking the stigma about mental health while supporting people’s recovery. The NHS is so diverse and inclusive, and one of my favourite things about it is meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds.” - Ruby Weaver, Team Secretary, Laurel Ward
“I feel like the mission of the NHS aligns with my goals and I am so proud to be a part of it, and to have the support I need to grow my career. I love working with so many people from different backgrounds, and especially enjoy the fact that I am able to fit in and see my community around me.” - Bukky Sholanke, Healthcare Assistant, Rose Ward
“I am passionate about quality patient care and, despite the many challenges it faces, I believe the NHS to be the best environment in which to truly make a difference to the lives of others. Being part of the NHS workforce has really taught me that the smallest things can make the biggest difference to people.” - Llewellyn Forde, Deputy Ward Manager, Turner Ward
“I’ve worked for the NHS since 1999. Not only have I enjoyed and learnt a huge amount from the different services I’ve worked in over the years, but working for the NHS has also made me more humble, compassionate and respectful. I love working for the NHS.” - Viv Ddagirira, Secretary, Sutton and Merton Complex Needs Service and the SUN Service
“I am so incredibly proud to work for the NHS where teamwork, collaboration, passion, commitment, openness, compassion, inclusivity and consistency all come together to help people. I feel honoured and so proud to be a part of such an amazing healthcare provider that really does provide such great support and healthcare to everyone in need.” - Jennifer Robinson, Trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, NHS Merton Talking Therapies
“The NHS is one big support network made up of a diverse group of people with a range of experiences. It really is a great environment to work in. You come to work knowing that no matter the challenges, there are a lot of resources and people to support you, and you are learning all the time.” - Ben Olosinmo, Ward Manager, Laurel Ward
“I love how diverse the NHS and South West and St George’s is. I have some amazing colleagues from a range of backgrounds and experiences, who all have their own unique talents and skillsets. All of that diversity contributes to improving patient care and ensuring our patients feel represented. With the support of the Trust and my team, I recently completed an MSc in advanced clinical practice – an achievement which has made my mum very proud!” - Sarah Ellis, Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Kingston community team
“Working at SWLSTG feels like being part of one big family. I came to London with no family or friends but have been quickly welcomed by the wonderful team I work with at Burntwood Villas. I’ve been supported by a brilliant mentor, line manager and nursing development team who have all helped me to settle into my role here.” - Thariq Salim, Healthcare Assistant, Burntwood Villas
"I love being a part of a team that works together to go above and beyond for patients. Working for the NHS has given me countless opportunities to help others and make a real positive difference to people’s lives, and those experiences have helped me to grow both professionally and personally.” - Cara O'sullivan, Healthcare Assistant, Lotus Assessment Suite
“The focus on patient care and the passion for helping patients is what attracted me to join SWLSTG. I’ve never worked anywhere else like it. My team is like a family, and everyone works really hard to support each other. I first joined them as part of a placement and was delighted to be able to re-join the team after qualifying. I have some very knowledge and experienced colleagues who I’m incredibly proud to work alongside.” - Anthony Rhooms, Community Care Coordinator, Forensic Support Plus
"Having service users tell me that I have improved their day is always something that makes me smile and is the thing that makes me most proud to work for the NHS. Knowing that I have made a positive difference, even if just for one person that day, is part of why I love my job so much." - Paige Chappell, Ward Clerk, Jupiter Ward
“I am proud to work for the NHS as the third generation nurse in my family. I love working alongside talented, committed and hardworking people and playing my small part to make a difference to people’s lives.” Amanda Cummins, Deputy Head of Coproduction and Involvement
“Working within the NHS for the last 18 years has taught me that the smallest things can make the biggest difference to people. I work with the most amazing people within Digital PMO, and I know that no matter which service/team I work with, there is a talented set of people to support and make the project a success.” - Max Khalid, Digital Project Manager, Project Management Office.
