In a remarkable celebration of dedication, Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) has honoured one of its longest-serving colleagues, Dorothy Rogers, for reaching an extraordinary 50 years of service to the National Health Service.
A Lifelong Commitment to Pharmacy
Dorothy first walked into the hospital's pharmacy department in 1975, beginning a professional journey that would span half a century. Starting as an assistant, her reliability and commitment to patient care were quickly evident. She briefly trained to become a pharmacy technician, but soon discovered her true calling lay in pharmacy purchasing.
For the past 47 years, Dorothy has been the cornerstone of pharmacy operations, ensuring the vital flow of medicines across all three hospital sites in Doncaster, Worksop, and Retford. Her role is critical, supporting everything from emergency treatments to specialist care, and her colleagues often refer to her as the "walking bible" of pharmacy procurement.
Witnessing Decades of Change
Dorothy's career offers a unique window into the dramatic evolution of NHS pharmacy services. She recalls a time when the department operated its own sterilisation centre, producing solutions and inspecting instruments in-house—tasks now handled by external specialists. Teams also once mixed their own creams and ointments, whereas today these items arrive pre-packaged.
The technological shift has been profound. "When I first started, all orders were written on duplicated copy pads," Dorothy explained, highlighting the intensity of a job that required keeping track of countless details without computers. Working conditions were also vastly different; her first salary was £22 a week, and staff had to work a full year before being entitled to any holiday.
An Unbreakable Bond with the NHS
Dorothy's connection to her work is so strong that a attempt to semi-retire at 60 lasted just 24 hours before she returned full-time. She credits the demanding nature of her role with keeping her mind sharp and her memory strong. "I think that's why I've been able to stay so long, the job keeps me switched on," she reflected.
The milestone was celebrated with an afternoon tea at Mount Pleasant in Doncaster on December 5, attended by Chair of the Board Suzy Brain England, Non-Executive Director Kath Smart, and colleagues. The event, held a day before Dorothy's 76th birthday, is an annual DBTH tradition recognising long-serving staff.
Affectionately known as 'Aunty Dorothy' by her team, her story is a powerful testament to the commitment, adaptability, and passion that form the backbone of the NHS. Five decades on, she remains an integral part of ensuring patients receive the right treatment at the right time.
