On Wednesday 30 devoted employees from the state’s north were recognised for reaching 25 years of continuous service to Tasmanian health.

Tasmanian Minister for Health Michael Ferguson made the presentation at Launceston General Hospital (LGH).

Each recipient was presented with a specially designed box, handmade from Tasmanian Huon Pine as well as a warm congratulations from their peers. 

Nurses, pharmacists as well as house and food services workers were among the recipients from the LGH, Scottsdale, Beaconsfield and Campbelltown hospitals. 

Pharmacist Jay Fitch said he didn’t know where the last 25 years had gone and said reaching the milestone is something he is very proud of. 

“This recognition is a really important thing,” he said. 

“Recognising that people have dedicated themselves to working for one agency that is focused on helping other people over such a long period of time.

“That is something that the younger generation don’t seem to be doing.

“Workers like us might be a dying breed. 

“Now, I can say that after 25 years no two days have ever been exactly the same.” 

LGH Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses Melissa Grey and Fiona Brown were also recognised along with nurse educator Sharon Philpot. 

Melissa and Fiona both started their careers together in 1992, after studying at the Tasmanian State Institute of Technology. 

Reflecting on her career highlights, Fiona said she was attracted to the challenge of working in the ICU and said it had been amazing to see the developments in technology over the years. 

“It is an industry that is constantly evolving,” she said. 

“For me it has always been about patient care and seeing people get better and go home to their families. 

“I still love what I do.”