Publish date: 7 December 2020
Every year we celebrate members of staff who have worked for the Trust for 25 years.
This year, 22 of our colleagues reached that milestone. We spoke to three of them.
Hamedan Khan – Clinical Nurse Manager and Ward Manager
In the summer of 1995, Hamedan was living in her hometown in Trinidad and decided to holiday in London. She spotted an opportunity to work at the Trust in a copy of the Nursing Times and applied for it. The rest is history.
Hamedan started at St Bernard’s Hospital as a staff nurse (having just qualified in Trinidad). She stayed in the nurse’s accommodation provided, where she made friends with other colleagues.
“I felt at home. That was also where I first experienced a white Christmas and a British roast dinner. I’m now an expert on making one every Christmas for the patients.”
During her 25 years, Hamedan has worked in both men’s and women’s Forensic services and is proud of having been able to learn new skills to help her develop.
“I’ve always managed to overcome obstacles and develop myself both personally and professionally. I work with an excellent team who are very committed and passionate about what they do.”
Now a Clinical Nurse Manager at The Orchard, she says:
“I see a lot of excellent work in this organisation and I am proud to be part of it. I have not lost my passion from the first day to now.”
Lynn Cleminson – Head of Occupational Therapy
In the spring of 1995, the acute mental health service created a new Occupational Therapy team. Lynn was one of their founding team members and loved being based in Ealing at St Bernard’s.
Lynn settled in very quickly which had been largely down to St Bernard’s having lots of social activities for staff.
“We spent our Christmases at Ealing Town Hall and a Trust band played some great music to lift the mood. The old social club was also a great way to get to know others and let your hair down with colleagues out of the workplace.”
During her time at the Trust, Lynn has climbed up the career ladder on her journey to become the Local Services’ Head of Occupational Therapy for Inpatient Services, and has taken on short-term roles including joint Clinical Lead for all of Acute Services, inspiring future generations of OTs to aim high.
“I’m proud of the many staff I have employed, coached and supported over the years, many of which started as newly qualified, nurtured into seniors and later supporting me as leads.”
Today, Lynn is still an OT and passionate about the role OTs play in the NHS.
“I’m really proud that the OT service has grown, developed, changed and adapted in the Trust in recent years. Working with and helping people living in distress and unease, to realise their potential is very dear to my heart.”
Mandy Bassi – Medical Education Manager
Mandy started working as a Healthcare Assistant at Clayponds Hospital straight after University, and was instantly impressed by the support she received.
“A week before I was meant to start, I had my tonsils taken out and when I rang the ward to ask for a delayed start date, they were really lovely and sympathetic.”
“I felt I had been given so much respect, space to develop and grow as an individual and the Trust has gone from strength-to-strength in looking after its staff over the years. I feel we’re not just people, but we’re considered assets to the Trust.”
Since 1995, Mandy has taken on various roles, including as a PA to the Medical Directors for 17 years. She was given the opportunity of a CMDA Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship. As a result, in 2016, she was appointed Medical Education Manager.
“I feel so at home at the Trust. I came here as a young single person. Since then, I got married and now have two teenagers. I can imagine staying here until I retire.”