Lymington New Forest Hospital radiographer honoured by NHS bosses for 50 years’ service

A RADIOGRAPHER at Lymington New Forest Hospital has been honoured after serving the community for more than 50 years.

Jean Lumber received an NHS long service award and was presented with a cake last week by Southern Health’s deputy chief executive Paula Anderson.

Jean, who joined the NHS in 1973 after leaving school at 17, 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, and was later 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,” she said.

“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.

“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 team.”

While presenting Jean with her award and cake alongside their colleagues, Ms Anderson said: “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.”