Lambeth resident Marcia Small has welcomed thousands of visitors through the doors of Royal Trinity Hospice over the years, and this year marks 30 years of service for the charity for her. 

Senior hospice receptionist Marcia reached the milestone work achievement after initially joining the charity, which provides free specialist palliative and end of life care to people across central and south west London, back in 1992 and has worked there ever since. 

Offering a friendly welcome to those coming to see loved ones in the hospice’s inpatient unit and other visitors, as well as various high-profile visits over the years including Trinity’s Royal Patron Her Majesty The Queen Consort, Marica is a well-known face to many.

Marcia was one of several Trinity staff recognised for their long-service at a special awards ceremony held to celebrate their commitment and contribution to the hospice.

Ten staff working across clinical, retail and support teams were recognised for 10, 20 and 30 year milestones, totaling a cumulative 130 years between them. Staff recognised included: Senior Pharmacy Technician Debbie Howson, Receptionist Silvie Grant, Clinical Nurse Specialist Ide Moore, Joint Head of Community Services Helen Brewerton, Clinical Nurse Specialist Carolyn Luchman, Catering Assistant Peter Coggins, Healthcare Assistant Joan Wulff-Caesar, and Catering Manager James McQuillan.

Royal Trinity Hospice provides specialist palliative end of life care to people in their own homes or in the hospice’s inpatient unit for around 2,500 people every year. For their families, friends and loved ones, expert support is also provided at every step of the way.

Julie Parry, from the hospice’s HR team has herself worked at Trinity for over 30 years and has known Marcia since she joined the hospice. She said:

“Marcia has the ability to remain calm and show compassion in all situations which can be challenging and distressing. Her knowledge of the hospice is vast, and she is often the go-to person when you have a query, and no one knows the answer. Marcia is really kind when she talks to our families showing great integrity in all that she does.”

Recipients of the awards attended an afternoon tea in the orangery in the grounds of the hospice and awards were presented by Chief Executive Emily Carter.

Patricia Mbasani Director of HR & Organisational Development at Trinity said: “To have staff with us who have three decades of knowledge and experience is invaluable.

“In today’s world where competition to attract and retain the best talent becomes more of a challenge for organisations, we at Trinity are fortunate to have a happy and fulfilling working environment that staff enjoy being part of many years after they have joined. It was a pleasure to see all our long-service recipients take a break from their work for a deserved round of applause thanking them for their commitment to us and our work.”

Royal Trinity Hospice employs 260 staff working within the hospice, across the community and in its charity retail division totalling 20 shops. The charity is a London Living Wage employer and has appeared in the National Centre for Diversity's index of the Top 100 Most Inclusive Workplaces to work.

In good company, long standing Trinity staff look back on all the years they've given over afternoon tea