Graham is among those honoured for many years' service

FOR 40 years, the Countess of Chester Hospital has been much more than a building - it has been a community of people committed to caring for one another.

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Staff like Graham Pemberton, who started as a porter in 1996 and now plays a vital role in ensuring the hospital runs safely and effectively, embody this spirit of dedication and compassion.

The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is bringing to a close its year-long celebrations marking 40 years since the main acute general hospital was officially named on May 30, 1984.

The milestone anniversary year has been a chance to reflect on the hospital's journey and the dedication of its staff.

The celebrations culminated with the Long Service Awards where staff who have devoted 25 and 40 years of service to the hospital were honoured.

Among those recognised was Graham Pemberton, now a compliance and analytics officer in the facilities team who, over nearly three decades, has steadily progressed through a range of roles from chargehand to joining the facilities service management team while always maintaining close ties to the portering service where it all began for him. Today he helps ensure operations run smoothly and safely.

Graham said: "When I joined the Countess, I had no idea what path my career would take but it marked the beginning of a long and rewarding career within facilities.

"I've had the chance to take on new responsibilities, work with amazing colleagues across the trust and grow with every step.