2:10pm Sunday 21st March 2010
A TYPEWRITER and shorthand were crucial for Jenny Hamer’s job when she joined the National Health Service as a secretary at the age of 18.
Now, 52 years later, she is retiring after seeing half a century of developments which have seen the likes of computers and audio tapes introduced to her role.
The 70-year-old, who lives in Wilmot Street, Halliwell, stepped down yesterday.
She said: “It’s just gone by, it’s not felt like 52 years. I didn’t really want to leave but have to because of my age, if it was up to me I’d be staying on.
“I’ve really enjoyed it, especially meeting all the people I’ve worked with. There must have been ups and downs but I can’t really think of anything I haven’t liked about the job.”
Mrs Hamer, who is married to Denis, aged 74, and has two daughters and a granddaughter, joined the NHS after leaving secretarial college.
Her first role was as a medical secretary at Bolton District General Hospital for eight years. In 1966 she moved to Bolton Royal Infirmary. Fifteen years ago she became the officer manager and a medical secretary at Bolton Diabetes Centre, in Chorley Street, in the town centre.
Mrs Hamer said: “I wanted to be a secretary in the NHS because I thought it would be interesting and it has been.
“I’ve worked in most areas and picked up on all sorts of health things. I do get asked for advice but always say I’m not qualified!
“Things have changed a lot in the last 52 years and I think the NHS was better when I first started, there weren’t as many top jobs, everything was cleaner and everything seemed to work better. Some things have improved though, like the technology.”
Mrs Hamer enjoyed a meal with colleagues on Tuesday and a celebration was held at the Diabetes Centre yesterday.
Dr John Dean is the medical director at NHS Bolton, the local primary care trust which oversees health services, and a consultant diabetologist.
He said: “I have worked with Jenny for the last 15 years of her 52 in the NHS. Her energy, dedication and skills have been vital as medical secretary for me and others before me, and as office manager for the diabetes centre from the day it opened.
“Thank you Jenny on behalf of your colleagues and the patients you have served.”
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