Congratulations to Melanie Burgess on reaching the outstanding milestone of 25 years of NHS service.
Throughout her career, Melanie has demonstrated unwavering commitment, professionalism and dedication to both patients and colleagues.
As an integral member of the Administration team, she provides exceptional line management to her staff, invaluable support to the senior leadership team, and consistently brings enthusiasm, positivity and a wealth of experience to the department. Her extensive knowledge, practical approach and ability to support those around her have made her a highly respected and valued colleague.
Melanie’s contribution over the past 25 years has left a lasting impact on the services she has supported, and we are incredibly grateful for her continued commitment to the NHS.
Melanie’s Reflection on 25 Years in the NHS
“My NHS journey began in 2001 when I joined the trust as a Catering Assistant. Although I had already gained my secretarial qualifications, many of my friends worked within the Catering Department and spoke highly of the role, so I decided to apply. I was delighted to be successful and thoroughly enjoyed being part of the team.
After six years in Catering, I was ready for a new challenge and, in 2007, successfully applied for the role of Orthopaedic Research Secretary. Working closely with physiotherapists on the wards was both interesting and rewarding, providing me with valuable experience and the confidence to progress further in my career. I later became Personal Assistant to two orthopaedic surgeons, a role that I found both enjoyable and professionally fulfilling.
Having spent many years within Orthopaedics, I moved into a Clinical Administration role, as the working hours were more suited to family life and my children’s school routine. Whilst it provided valuable experience, I realised it was not quite the right fit for me. I then successfully applied for the position of Operational Support Officer within Orthotics, where my orthopaedic knowledge proved invaluable. The role offered a good balance between supporting the service and meeting the needs of my growing family.
One of the most memorable periods of my NHS career came during the COVID-19 pandemic. When the Orthotics service temporarily closed, I was redeployed to the COVID swabbing unit for six months. Initially, this felt like one of the most daunting experiences of my NHS journey. However, I quickly adapted and found the role both rewarding and challenging. Working outdoors in all weather conditions while supporting local people during such an unprecedented time gave me a real sense of pride and highlighted the resilience and adaptability demonstrated by NHS staff throughout the pandemic.
Today, I am proud to be part of the Acute Therapies team, working as an Operational Support Officer. Supporting administration across Acute Therapies allows me to play a part in helping our teams deliver the highest standard of care and the best possible outcomes for our patients. Reflecting on the last 25 years, I am grateful for the opportunities, experiences and colleagues who have shaped my NHS career, and I look forward to continuing to support our patients and services in the years ahead.”