Published on: 23 February 2026
A Derbyshire nurse who has dedicated five decades to caring for local communities has been recognised for her extraordinary commitment to the NHS. 
Lesley Newton‑Griffiths, who currently works as a Health Protection Unit Nurse within Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, was presented with her 50 Years’ Service Award by Chief Executive Mark Powell, celebrating her longstanding contribution to patient care and her positive impact across the Trust.
As a young teenager, Lesley first wanted to become a flying doctor in Australia but soon realised that her true calling lay in nursing – a profession she chose to pursue so she could care for people in the way she would want to be cared for herself.
Lesley began her NHS career in 1975, joining the Southern Derbyshire Health Authority as a staff nurse. Following the transfer of services in 2011, she became part of Derbyshire Healthcare after working for Derby City Primary Care Trust, continuing her work within Children’s Services as a School Nurse.
In 2018, Lesley moved into a Health Screener role before returning to a nursing post in January 2021. During the COVID‑19 pandemic, she spent four months working in the Trust’s vaccine hospital hub team, supporting staff and patients during one of the most challenging periods the NHS has ever faced. Lesley played a leading role in coordinating the Trust’s immunisation efforts, helping to strengthen protection for communities across Derbyshire. She later resumed her Health Screener role within the 0-19 children’s service before taking up her current post within the Health Protection Unit in early 2022.
Reflecting on her milestone achievement, Lesley said: “I have enjoyed working as a nurse for the NHS continuously for the last 50 years and have been fortunate enough to work in various practices with many dedicated people.”
Lesley also speaks fondly of the colleagues and teams she has worked with, emphasising how teamwork and communication have shaped her career. She continues to receive positive feedback from schools, parents and colleagues many years on – a testament to the difference she has made in the lives of countless families.
“I feel it’s been a huge personal achievement and I’m very proud to have been part of such a wonderful caring profession and accomplished my 50 years NHS milestone. A passion and drive for caring for people is what has kept me going for so many years. I always ask myself, if I was a patient how would I like to be treated and then try my best to do just that.
Lesley continues to be admired not only for her clinical expertise but also for her compassion, her commitment to public health, and the positive difference she has made to the lives of children, young people, families and colleagues throughout Derbyshire.
“I often bump into people when I am out and about. In fact, someone I used to support during my school nursing days approached me in the supermarket once and said how well their daughter is doing now and that it was all thanks to the support I provided all those years ago. For someone to remember you after all these years on is what really makes this job special and worthwhile.”
Mark Powell, Chief Executive at Derbyshire Healthcare, praised Lesley’s exceptional service, he said: “Reaching 50 years is an extraordinary achievement – something few accomplish. Lesley consistently demonstrates exemplary leadership, and we greatly value her contributions to our organisation. She has made significant contributions as a Health Protection Unit Nurse, including dedicated work on flu and COVID‑19 vaccination programmes, supporting efforts to maintain health and safety.
“Lesley has become a key figure in the Trust’s history thanks to her dedication to patient care and her support for her co‑workers, so a huge thank you to her.”
Colleagues from the Health Protection Unit also shared their appreciation.
One colleague said: “It’s a real pleasure to work with Lesley Newton‑Griffiths. She is truly a lovely and honest individual who brings kindness, integrity and professionalism to everything she does. Lesley is supportive, approachable and always willing to share her knowledge, making her a valued colleague and a joy to work alongside. Thank you for everything you do for us all – we really appreciate you in our team.”
Another colleague added: “It has been a privilege to work with Lesley. She brings warmth and positivity to everyone she meets and treats colleagues and patients with unwavering kindness. Her 50 years of dedicated service are truly inspirational.”
