Loyal estates manager Kim celebrates 25 years’ NHS service

For a quarter of a century, Kim Barnes has been a familiar face in the NHS across Portsmouth.

From admin to manager roles and just about everything in between, she spent the first 21 years working for clinical services.

But four years ago, just as the covid pandemic hit, she moved into her biggest role yet – helping to run St Mary’s Community Health Campus for Solent NHS Estates and Facilities.

Kim, Estates Locality Manager, said: “Working in estates is very different to being part of a clinical service. It remains patient-centred but can be extremely challenging given all the different people and situations that can crop up.

“Luckily, I enjoy a challenge – which is good considering all the things I have had thrown at me since I joined!”

Kim worked for several departments across Portsmouth including children’s services and older person’s mental health before joining Estates as an assistant premises manager in Portsmouth.

Now the former admin assistant, business manager and GP practice receptionist has been formally thanked for her loyalty with a 25-year service certificate and voucher from Solent NHS Trust.

Mark Young, Deputy Director of Estates and Facilities, said: “This is an incredible achievement.

“Even after 25 years, Kim turns up for work every day full of passion, enthusiasm and good humour, and it is very much appreciated.

“She embodies the family spirit we have at Solent and we are very grateful for everything she does, both on the frontline and behind the scenes.”

Kim paid tribute to her team, including reception staff, who she said made coming to work a pleasure.

“When I started work here, the pandemic struck and it was an incredibly busy and difficult time, but everyone got stuck in and we got through it,” she added.

“The team are just amazing.”