Jeff Dixon, a porter from the North East of England shared with us his experience following an invitation to Westminster to take part in an NHS champion’s reception for the National Health Services 75th birthday.
In his words: “Over in what seemed like a blink of an eye, but certainly an experience I’ll not forget in a hurry”.
On the same week the NHS celebrated its 75th anniversary, Jeff celebrated an admirable 29 years’ service currently working for NTH Solutions, the subsidiary company of North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust.
Jeff was pleasantly surprised when he received his invitation in the post to visit number 10 Downing Street. His name was put forward by Stockton South Conservative MP Matt Vickers after spending some time working alongside him during a visit to the University Hospital of North Tees.
When Jeff asked Matt why he had nominated him, Matt’s response was a simple one, “because you’re a character’’ which anyone who knows and has worked alongside Jeff can certainly attest to.
Matt said: ““I was delighted to be able to nominate Jeff as an NHS Hero. Jeff has served the people of Stockton for almost 3 decades as a porter at North Tees. All too often when talking about our incredible NHS and the people in it we refer to the doctors and nurses and forget some of the other roles, and the people in them who go above and beyond to make your NHS what it is. Without such commitment and dedication our NHS wouldn’t exist.
“I spent some time working with Porters and Domestics at North Tees and saw the great work they did and how fundamental it is to the running of the hospital.
“Jeff is a grafter, and he’s also a real character who’s joy for life is contagious. I’m sure he brings joy, a smile and a laugh to every interaction he has in the hospital. I hope he enjoyed his time in Downing Street and also hearing from Steve Barclay. A day tom remember”.
In Jeff’s own words his recollection of the experience: “This opportunity was certainly not an every-day thing, and regardless of your political leanings and opinions, a once in a lifetime opportunity not to be turned down.
“I have to admit, I didn’t know what to expect, as I’ve never been to anything like this before, and for once in my life, I was a little nervous as to what the day would bring.
“Needless to say, waiting outside Downing Street to be let in by the local constabulary, about half an hour early, guess what? Yes, the heavens opened!
“Thankfully, a lovely paediatrician from Milton Keynes, kindly offered to share her umbrella with me and we had a great conversation about working for the NHS, shared stories and our experiences.
“Nervous moment when the gates opened as my name was not found on the list at first, panic averted when I was found eventually. Then came the formalities and airport type search, my last photo taken outside by aforementioned lady at the door of Number 10, before leaving my phone in the dockets provided inside the door.
“Then on to the reception. Not as “formal” as I had expected to be honest, but it was slightly humbling to be part of something like this, and have to say a massive thank you to Matt for staying with us throughout, chatting away with us and “keeping us right” as to what was going to be happening.
“A short speech from the Minister of Health and welfare, followed by more mingling with the other guests, and that was the day in a nutshell.
“Over in what seemed like a blink of an eye, but certainly an experience I’ll not forget in a hurry. So, Happy 75th Birthday NHS. I’m proud to have been part of it for 29 years, been through good times, and been through rough times. “Long may it live on!”
