Lesley Isbell has retired from our legal services department after 38 years of working at our Trust.

When Lesley began her NHS career in 1987 as a filing clerk at Barking Hospital, she was responsible for managing medical records and X-rays. In those days records were stored manually and X-rays came on heavy film.

Over the years, she worked at the old King George Hospital in Newbury Park, Harold Wood Hospital and one of our offices in Romford.

Lesley worked as a Claims Officer and retired on Monday 30 June, with colleagues holding a surprise retirement party to celebrate her long career.

During her time with us she also worked alternate weekends as a receptionist in the Emergency Department at King George Hospital.

She has seen many changes during her career, particularly the shift towards digital systems.

Lesley has also noticed that the Trust now offers more apprenticeship opportunities for staff.

She said:

Healthcare assistants can now train to become nurses while working at the hospital, which is really good.

The legal team will soon have an apprentice. It gives people a chance to gain experience, and it seems to be working well.

I’ve seen so much over the years, but one thing that’s always stayed the same is how hard everyone works. Even in difficult circumstances, people always pull together.

Maria Akinboh, our Deputy Head of Legal Services, said:

Lesley is a font of knowledge and truly young at heart. She’ll be sorely missed by all of us in the team.