An “inspiring leader” at West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds is retiring after 27 years in the role – and more than 36 working for the NHS.

Jan Bloomfield, 55, director of workforce and communications at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (WSFT), will continue to provide support in an ambassadorial role when she steps down early next year.

Jan, who was appointed in 1991 as director of personnel, said: “It’s not an understatement to say that it’s been a privilege to work here for the last 27 years.

“I’m so proud to be a part of the leadership team, and to have seen the trust become an outstanding organisation with the best levels of staff engagement in the country. I passionately believe in the NHS and its people.

“This organisation has helped me to grow in my career and give security to my family, and I will miss both it and the people very much.

“But it’s time for me to step aside, rest, and support the trust in a different way – in an ambassador role so that I can continue to work with the community that I love and respect.”

Despite a bad start on her first day, which involved a trip to occupational health with pains down her right arm after nerves got the better of her, Jan went on to play a key role at the trust.

Over her tenure, she has supported seven different chief executives, and delivered a series of important projects for the trust, including introducing a crèche on site, digitalising all HR records, helping implement new wellbeing initiatives for staff like fitness classes and hydration stations on wards, and getting local artwork put up across the hospital to improve the environment for patients.

Stephen Dunn, chief executive, said: “The trust is exceptionally sad to be losing Jan, who has been a core and inspiring leader at the heart of our organisation for many years.

“Truly focused on putting patients first and the values of NHS, Jan has been fundamental in driving staff engagement and making our trust one of the best NHS hospitals to work in the country.

“We are thrilled that we will still get the benefit of Jan’s expertise in her ambassadorial role for the trust, and I have no doubt that she will continue to support us and our community with her incredible prowess and enthusiasm.”