A trio of hard-working staff who look after the hospital buildings have clocked up more than a century of work between them.
Andy Waddington, Mark Hampton, and Ian Ferguson, have worked for University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) for a staggering 103 years between them.
Andy Waddington, Capital Services Manager, has put in 39 years with the Trust, working on an average of 25 capital schemes per year for the last 20 years, including the £12m South Lakes Birth Centre at Furness General Hospital (FGH).
Andy, who oversees the Trust’s capital plan alongside a nine member design team, said: “The NHS gave me opportunity to achieve a full and rewarding career. Added to that I have a team who give 100% and I am proud to call them friends as well as colleagues. As a job you don’t get any better.
“The relocation of the old Ulverston hospital services to FGH was one of my favourite projects as it was my first big project and I learned a lot. I also really enjoyed my involvement in South Lakes Birth Centre, as working with families affected by what happened at FGH was really rewarding and showed how committed the Trust was to making things right.”
Colleagues Ian Ferguson, Project Lead, and Mark Hampton, Capital Projects Lead, have worked for the Trust for 36 years and 28 years, respectively.
Mark said: “I’ve seen many changes in our hospitals over the years and proud to be part of great team that’s developing our estate in meeting the challenges of modern healthcare.
“I’m particularly proud of the achievements in building up our property drawing and information system that supports the day-to-day running of our Trust’s buildings and infrastructure.”
Ian added: “I started as an apprentice engineer in the maintenance department which was then the Lancashire Area Health Authority in July 1982 where I first met Andy. In 1989 we both transferred to Capital Services where we’ve worked together ever since, I’ve seen many changes and developed numerous schemes over the years.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my years working for the Trust with such a fantastic Capital Services team – I couldn’t think of a better job or a better organisation to work for.
“I would recommend to anyone looking at a career to think about a role within capital services team – we offer a variety of roles with great progression.”
On 5 July 2018, the Trust joined other health organisations around the country to mark 70 years of the NHS as part of NHS England’s NHS 70 celebrations. As part of our celebrations we are sharing stories from our long-serving members of staff. The Trust is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.