Roger Gembis has been honoured for his amazing 50-year NHS career working with the estates and facilities team at the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (WSFT).
At a surprise celebration attended by many of his colleagues on Thursday, 2 July, chief executive officer for WSFT, Dr Ewen Cameron, presented Roger with an engraved glass trophy commemorating a career which began in the early 1970s, when the ‘new’ West Suffolk Hospital (WSH) was being built.
Dr Cameron said: “The number of people here says so much about the impact you have had in your unbelievable 50 years of service. What I see is someone who is clearly an expert, who does what is needed in the right way, and is a pleasure to work with.
“You are a fantastic example of everything that makes this a great place to work. Thank you for all you have done.”
Specialist service manager Roger has been part of the WSH story since before it opened, having started working on the site in 1973 with one of the firms involved in the initial construction. In June 1976 he was offered a six-month contract as a fitter with the estates and facilities team and joined the NHS – he has lived in Bury ever since.
Roger said: “I just want to say thank you. I’ve always enjoyed working here, whatever job we have we are all here to look after the patients, that’s really what it’s about.”
Now aged 71, Roger remains a familiar face across the Hardwick Lane site, using his training, skills and experience as a mechanical craftsman to help keep it running smoothly and bringing the next generation of engineers through.
Nicola Booth, head of estates and development, said: “Reaching 50 years of service is an extraordinary achievement and one that very few people can claim. Roger’s career is a testament to his dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment to our Trust.
“Having progressed from working on the tools to becoming one of our estates’ compliance officers, he has played an integral role in shaping and maintaining our estate for generations of patients, staff and visitors. His knowledge, experience and quiet determination have earned the respect of everyone who has had the privilege of working with him.
“On behalf of the entire estates and facilities team, I would like to thank Roger for his exceptional service and congratulate him on this incredible milestone. We are immensely proud to celebrate this achievement with him.”
Jeff Bacon, WSFT senior engineer and Roger’s line manager, said: “Roger represents everything good about engineering in hospitals, the quality and standards we adhere to, and achieving the aims and goals of the NHS.”
