Dedicated nurse Samantha Allen has been presented with a special award at Tameside Hospital for 37 years of dedication to the NHS, particularly in the field of mental ill health.

The specialist nurse was presented with the award by bosses at the hospital to mark her retirement.

She received the long service award from Chief Nurse Peter Weller, who described her contribution and impact to the profession and the NHS as ‘palpable and significant.’

Sam, who celebrated her 55th birthday this week, joined the team at Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS FT three years ago as Lead Nurse for Mental Health and Learning Disabilities.

She said: “My remit is to provide the very best care we can for people with mental health issues. We work closely with Pennine Care, our health provider, and although I have a strategic role, I am passionate to maintain patient contact, particularly in clinical areas where patients might need extra support.

“I’ve always been a mental health nurse. It’s what I care about most, and although I’m retiring from this role I’ll be back after a short break supporting the deputy director of nursing working on safeguarding.

“In the NHS this means protecting a person or patient’s health, wellbeing and human rights; enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect.”

Mum to two grown-up children, Sam lives in West Yorkshire with husband Tim who is Prison Group Director for Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire.

To relax she enjoys walking in the countryside near her home and has massive interest in wildlife photography, describing herself as an ‘enthusiastic amateur.’

Trust Chief Executive, Karen James OBE said she was delighted Sam would be returning after a short break to the senior nursing team with a special responsibility for standards of safeguarding at the hospital.

Karen said: “This is an important area of work. People who have mental health issues or are sick are vulnerable to neglect because they are unable to take care of themselves.

“Safeguarding within the NHS is everyone’s responsibility, but nurses particularly have a professional duty to promote and protect the rights of patients from any harm or abuse. Sam, with her wealth of experience and expertise, will help us maintain the high standards we have set within the Trust.”