Last night was Healthcare Assistant Phil Milner's last shift, left, on the ICU - before retiring after 38 years at CHFT.

Phil started his career at CHFT as a porter in 1985. He said: "In my role as a porter, much of my time was interacting with patients and it made me want to do more to care for them.

"I spent 20 years as a Healthcare Assistant in A&E, which was amazing - it was so busy. I decided to move to ICU for a bit of change ahead if retiring. That was in early March 2020 - three weeks before the pandemic hit. 

"So there really was no let-up, but in actual fact, I felt back in my element. I really feel like I'm giving something back.

"I've had a fantastic time over the years and love it to bits, so I'll be back on the bank soon. I can't quite give it up that easily."

ICU Senior Sister, Joanne Walker, said: "We will all miss Phil in ICU. He's a cheeky chap with a heart of gold. Phil is leaving to spend more time with his wife Wendy and his guinea pigs."

Lorraine O'Grady

And Healthcare Assistant, Lorraine O’Grady, retires from CHFT this week after working for the NHS for 29 years.

She started her NHS career in 1994 and she worked on the Children's Ward, Arthur and Ada, at Halifax Royal Infirmary.  She then moved with the Children's Ward to Ward 3 at Calderdale Royal Hospital. In January 2009, she became a valued member of the Children's Community Nursing Team, covering Huddersfield and Halifax.

Sister, Sue Richter, said: “Lorraine has supported children, young people and their families on the children's wards and clinics and in their own homes, providing compassionate care at all times. Her colleagues would like to wish her all the best for her retirement and all the new adventures that this will bring.”

Lorraine’s actual last shift was earlier this month and she is currently in India on a well-deserved holiday.