Huge congratulations and thanks go to “excellent” Walsall Healthcare mentors Margaret Unitt and Graham Beards who have clocked up 50 years of NHS service each.

Margaret Unitt is a Senior Sister in Gynaecology outpatients while Graham Beards is a specialist biomedical scientist. Interim Chief Executive Professor David Loughton went to visit both members of staff earlier this week to thank them for their contribution to the NHS.

“The significant contribution that these two colleagues have made to the NHS as an organisation, our patients and fellow team members over the years cannot be underestimated,” he said. “Both exemplify our values and we thank them for everything they have done and the difference they have collectively made not only to our patients but to generations of staff who have benefitted from their knowledge and skills.”

Julie Oliver, Colposcopy Nurse specialist, said: “Margaret has worked tirelessly for Walsall Manor Hospital for over 50 years. Her career progressed from a student nurse to an enrolled nurse as she completed her conversion to obtain her diploma.

“To begin with she worked on the wards, finally settling in Gynae outpatients. Margaret was part of the first group of nurses to train to become autonomous Nurse Colposcopists. This was a new role that saw the NHS moving forward with nurses becoming increasingly more advanced. Margaret is an excellent teacher. She has trained many registrars along with our consultant Colposcopists and our other nurse Colposcopists.  She has a kind friendly approach that not only puts her patients at ease but also her colleagues.

Margaret always puts the patients and service first, helping to drive the service forward.”

Tanya Grainger, Senior Sister, said – “Graham is an extraordinarily experienced and knowledgeable member of our team. He is an expert in his field and an excellent mentor to new and junior staff who is always willing to pass on his knowledge with patience and professionalism.

“He has other interests outside of the work environment and has even had two books published. We are very fortunate to have him as part of our team and I am very proud that he is.”