I departed KEGS with 3 ‘A’ levels and started work in the Bury Hospital, Path Lab, in July 1969. I completed a Clinical Chemistry HNC in July 1971 and worked in Biochemistry at Bury Hospital until September 1974.
I graduated as an RAF officer in December 1974 and entered pilot training with 23 others in February 1975. Unfortunately, I failed the final “wings” test (only 8 others left by then!) after 125 flying hours and opted to return (too much RAF bullst for me to stay in) to ‘civvy’ life in the Biochemistry Dept. at Poole General Hospital in July 1976. Having passed the Institute of MLS professional exams in 1977, I rose through the MLSO ranks, via Sutton Coldfield, becoming a Senior Chief MLSO in Cardiff in 1986. I decided I couldn’t work in Biochemistry for 35 years until retirement and got myself selected for NHS general manager training.
I left the Lab service in 1990, for a development post in the District Health Authority, followed by Acute Services Manager in Abergavenny Hospital from 1991 to 1996. I then managed a GP Total Purchasing Project in Powys until becoming the General Manager (PCG Chief Executive) of Carmarthenshire LHG in 1999. In 2003 following a reorganisation of the NHS in Wales, I was recruited to a senior civil service post with the Welsh Assembly Government Health Department. Based in Carmarthen, I undertook the role of Deputy/Regional Director until 2010 when yet another NHS reorganisation led to early retirement. My wife Jennifer (née Smith – County Grammar School, BSE, 1963 to 1970) and I moved to Sheffield where my elder daughter and two granddaughters live. The first year was spent completely renovating our “forever” bungalow. With our other 3 children (and 4 other grandchildren) living overseas – 2 (2) in Guernsey and 1 (2) in Sydney – and enjoying travelling generally, we get in quite a few ‘air miles’ every year. I also enjoy my weekly PROBUS group, driving a community minibus and gardening.
2019