SECAmb paid tribute to a combined experience of 85 years as Nigel Pollitt and Kooberin ‘Scooby’ Naidoo completed their final shift at Banstead OU recently, having given 48 and 37 years to the service.
“Both Scooby and Nigel have been stalwarts of the workforce over the past almost five decades and their care and professionalism to their patients has been second to none,” said Vicky Knights, Head of Operations at Banstead.
Having both spent much of their careers as Paramedics, they stepped down to ECSW roles and for the last five years have worked together on what has probably been the most qualified UTV ever operated in the Trust. Chief Paramedic Officer Jaqui Lindridge and Deputy Chief Paramedic Officer Michael Bradfield were among those who came to wish them well on their final day last month.
“Their impact on the local staff is what we will miss them for the most,” added Vicky. “Always a calm and reassuring presence, they are one of those crews that walk in the door at a tough job and you breathe a sigh of relief.
“Always smiling, always supportive and always present, Banstead OU will miss them hugely. We wish them both all the best.”
Nigel joined Surrey Ambulance Service in May 1978 as a grade 2 Ambulance man. “After eight years in retail I felt I needed a change, I wanted to do something completely different, something that would be more rewarding.”
He worked his way through various course and qualifications, the ambulance role changing in terms of drugs that could be administered and being able to use defibrillators. In 1995, both he and Scooby – who had joined Surrey Ambulance Service in January 1989 – completed the paramedic course.
Looking back, both have seen many developments during their long careers.
“There have been so many changes during 48 years, but I think the most important has been introducing the Paramedic role and seeing how much respect it is given by the medical profession and the general public,” said Nigel. “The workload and pressures on the ambulance service have increased as well.”
Scooby said: “In terms of what has changed during my time, well, everything has changed since 1989. But the changes are always moving things forward, meaning improvements for patients.
“The best decision I made in my career was joining Surrey Ambulance Service. If I could offer some advice, I feel one thing the service could do to improve is allow crew mates to work together and not have different staff daily or weekly. You function better as a team when you know the staff member and this translates to a better outcome for patients and staff welfare.”
Nigel said he had enjoyed staying frontline and being part of the green family. “My advice to others is that it’s important to make time for yourselves, and really try not to take the job home with you.”
Both men say they are looking forward to making the most of their free time.
“I’m looking forward to relaxing and doing all those things work stops you from doing,” said Scooby.
For Nigel, retirement means having more time with the family and their dog. “I also plan on watching Surrey at the Oval and fitting in a few more holidays. Then trying to complete the wife’s ‘to do’ list.”