It’s official – or it will be at the end of the month. Pharmacy Technician, Jeanette Sykes, is swapping the medicine cupboard for her garden shed as she retires after a long career in pharmacy, both at CHFT and in Huddersfield town.

At her farewell do, where colleagues past and present attended, Jeannette, seated middle, said: “It’s been a pleasure working here for 42 years and I’ve enjoyed every minute. I’ve made some life-long friends and will miss everyone”.

Senior Pharmacy Technician and Dispensary Manager, Liz Preston, said: “Jeanette has worked in Pharmacy since joining the Trust on 5th April 1982 and worked in Cuthbert's Chemist in Huddersfield town before that.

“She was the Lead Technician for Outpatient Pharmacy for many years, when it was located on the ground floor, where the coffee shop is now.

“I’ve worked with Jeanette for 24 years and been her line manager for seven of those. She is one of the most kind, patient-focused people I have ever worked with. Patients remembered her years later when she would encounter them on wards, and she always remembered their name and often the medication they were on too. If I was ever admitted to hospital, I would want someone like Jeanette overseeing my care.

“Pharmacy won’t be the same without her, but we all wish her well as she plans to spend more time with her husband Chris, daughter Bethany, and enjoying her garden."

The pharmacy-themed cake was made by Assistant Technical Officer, Judy Neen.