Robbie Woods has pulled down the curtain on his career which saw him fulfil a diverse array of jobs at various Norfolk hospitals.
He spent two significant periods working at the James Paget Hospital in Gorleston and has now called time on his latest 14-year spell at the seaside hospital.
Robbie Woods completed two significant spells working at the James Paget Hospital. (Image: James Paget Hospital)
Mr Woods, 70, said: “I always looked back on my early days at the Paget with the fondest of memories.
“When I came back, I was not surprised to find that the same warm, friendly and caring atmosphere still prevailed.
“I have loved my time working at the James Paget and have met so many lovely people.”
Outside the entrance to the James Paget Hospital in Gorleston. (Image: James Paget Hospital)
Mr Woods began his career as a chef at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital preparing nutritious meals for patients.
He then took his culinary skills to the Northgate Hospital in Great Yarmouth a couple of years later before joining the team at the Paget.
At the Paget, he worked in the hospital’s brand new kitchens before the hospital had even welcomed its first patients.
Aerial view of the James Paget Hospital in Gorleston. (Image: James Paget Hospital)
After the hospital opened in July 1982, the catering team not only had to develop menus but also the logistics behind delivering hundreds of meals to patients at meal times.
He left the Paget after 10 years to pursue a career in management, working as catering manager and hotel services manager at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn.
He then became director of medicine and director of surgery in King’s Lynn before being lured back to the Paget as a senior project manager in the transformation team.
Aerial shot of the James Paget Hospital in Gorleston. (Image: James Paget Hospital)
In his 14 years in the role, he has been involved in several projects, including the development of the trust’s new day case theatres complex and helping introduce text messaging services for patients.
He now plans to ease into his retirement gently and take some time to consider his next adventure.
He added: “It’s not in my nature to sit around. I always need a new challenge.”