This week we wave a fond farewell to two well-known colleagues as they retire ahead of some serious travelling.

Between them, CHS's Head of Commercial Projects, Sam Turner, and her partner Waste Management Officer, Nigel Murphy, have racked up more than 80 years of experience at CHFT.

Nigel began his NHS career in 1981 as a Domestic at Mill Hill Hospital. Sam joined a few years later in 1986 at Storthes Hall as an Administrator, before taking a break to become a travel rep before coming back to the NHS. They met at Mill Hill in the '90s and never looked back.

The pair have certainly made their mark here at CHFT.

Nigel’s worked in cleaning, portering, transport, supervising, project assistant, service performance, planning officer and waste management (including through COVID).

Sam has led screening programmes such as AAA, breast and cervical, managed GP surgeries, improved governance, project managed the building of an isolation ward, and project managed some key commercial projects for CHS.

What were your proudest moments and what will you miss the most?

Sam’s proudest moments? “There are too many to count, but it’s always been about doing the right thing and staying true to myself. Whether supporting people through tough investigations or watching unsung heroes go above and beyond, I never lost sight of what matters: integrity.”

And Nigel’s top moments? “Helping to open Acre Mill Outpatients and surviving COVID waste management were up there for me.”

Both say they’ll miss the people the most — the lifelong friends, the laughter, the teamwork, and that deep-down sense of community you only get from working in a hospital through thick and thin.

What’s next?

For both, retirement is about travel, discovery, and enjoying the next chapter of life together. Europe, the UK, anywhere and everywhere — it’s time to live their best lives.

Sam said: “It’s been emotional, inspiring, frustrating, enlightening and character forming in equal measures. I most definitely won’t be saying goodbye to the friends I’ve made.”

Nigel added: “Always expect the unexpected — especially when you’re dealing with people. One day, you too will be on the brink of retirement. Until then, try to keep your chin up.”

Happy retirement and happy travels to you both!