STAFF who have devoted a total of 8,500 years of service to Queen Mary's Hospital have been rewarded for their efforts.

They were the 540 workers who have spent at least 10 years working in the Sidcup hospital.

The staff were awarded badges and certificates at a series of ceremonies held this month, which also celebrated the 60th birthday of the NHS.

Those who have worked there for more than 10 years make up more than a quarter of the total hospital staff.

This includes 150 people who have been there for more than 20 years, and four who have worked at Queen Mary's for more than 35 years.

Chief executive Kate Grimes said: "Queen Mary's is an amazing place to work, with a real sense of community, and this is why we have so many staff who have chosen to spend their whole careers working for this hospital.

"These awards are a small token of appreciation."

She also thanked the hospital volunteers and League of Friends, many of whom also received awards.

Outgoing trust board chairman Veronika Simons spent her last day at the hospital at one of the awards ceremonies.