Elspeth Godfrey (nee Maughan) has worked for the Trust for over 30 years (and the NHS for more than 40) and has worked in the Patient Pathway Coordinator team since it’s conception in 2007.
Her colleague Kath Crewe said she had helped so many cancer patients receive their treatment.
She said: " Elspeth has been a valued and well respected member of our team, working with several different MDT teams such as Urology, Breast & Upper GI.
"Her contribution to these teams has helped cancer patients receive their treatment as quickly as possible and has also ensured that CHFT consistently achieve the National Cancer Waiting Times targets."
Elspeth's career started in 1977, working at Monkwearmouth Orthopaedic & Accident Hospital on a YOP Scheme( Youth Opportunity Programme) . She quickly progressed as a Clerical Officer in the Medical Records Department, being based at the new Sunderland District General Hospital, in 1978. Later I changed my Clerical post to that of A&E Receptionist in 1981.
"I worked here for a number of years until my move to Huddersfield in 1994. Here I joined a GPs busy practice in Fartown as a receptionist. Then, in 1999, I joined Huddersfield Royal Infirmary in the capacity of an Orthopaedic Medical Record clerk. In 2005, I became a member of the Partial booking Office. During my time in this department I worked, alongside other NHS Staff, on the development of the new Cancer Waiting Times strategy. In 2007 I moved into the Health informatics as a Cancer Waits Clerical Officer. As CWT was rolled out across the Trust and more sites came onboard the Patient Pathway Team evolved, later becoming the Patient Pathway Team, where I have spent my final 12 years , in the NHS, as a Patient Pathway Co ordinator.
"During the past 40 years there have been considerable changes within the NHS- some good, some not so good. I have watched it grow & develop into the service it is now.
"I have loved working alongside my fellow work colleagues, meeting some incredible personalities. Also being able to make a difference & helping the Patients on their NHS journey. I will leave behind many happy memories and lifelong friends, whom I’m sure we will stay in touch for many years to come.
"So now I take my leave and say a fond farewell to one and all. I’m now retired and moving onto pastures new, with new adventures, in this next phase of my life, in the Beautiful Yorkshire Dales.
"It’s been a long time and a wonderful career."