Scone Hospital stalwart farewelled after 28 years
4 February 2010
He’s a familiar face around the grounds of Scott Memorial Hospital in Scone, but after 28 years it’s time to say farewell to boiler attendant Graham Brooker.
Hospital staff will farewell Mr Brooker at a luncheon to be held tomorrow (Friday) as he makes his way into retirement.
“I started at Scone Hospital as a boiler attendant more than 28 years ago,” Graham said.
He’s seen a lot over that time, with advances in technology changing the way he worked.
“In the earlier days, of course, as a boiler attendant I had a fair bit to do with the boilers,” he recalled. “We’d do all the maintenance and look after the filters and keep them running well.
“We’ve got a good little workshop at the hospital that over the years was buzzing with handymen and engineers and the like – we’ve kept the place looking pretty good.”
Things have changed over the course of time, with much of the equipment now electronic and automated.
“Electronic and computerised equipment doesn’t really involve me, I guess I’m from an older era,” he said.
“My role has been quite varied in the last few years - I have done the gardening and maintenance, welding handrails and shaping pipes, some driving and looking after the filters and the water softeners.
Living next door to the hospital has made working life convenient.
“I’d just walk through the back fence and I’m there at the hospital, which was always good,” he said.
Graham’s official retirement date is 19 February, but he’s taking the chance to enjoy some holidays at the moment.
“I’m feeling good about retiring,” he said. “I’ve still got my health and a lot of interests outside of work. My family owns a farm out near Vacy and we run cattle, so I’m sure I’ll be spending a lot of time there in the outdoors.
“I also have three children and one of my daughters and her family live in Canada, so I’m sure there will be a few trips over there too. I certainly want to travel.”
Health Service Manager for Scott Memorial District Health Service Judy Bernasconi, Hunter Valley Service Hub Manager Bruce Buls and Area Facilities Management Unit and Maintenance Supervisor Peter Cutler thanked Graham for his years of service.
“We would like to wish him all the very best for the future and thank him for the services he’s provided over such a long period of time,” Bruce said.
Contact: Shannon Ramadge
Phone: 6767 7136