After 41 years of working for the NHS, Robert Clark is looking forward to a well-earned retirement. However, unlike many people, instead of putting his feet up he will be reaching for a trowel as he prepares to join in local archaeological digs as a volunteer.
Some may say that his career as an operating department practitioner, where precision and good organisational skills are vital, will stand him in good stead for this next challenge.
Robert started his NHS journey more than four decades ago as a relief plaster technician. He joined NHS Forth Valley in 1985 as a theatre orderly and then went on to undertake training to become an operating department practitioner, qualifying in 1989. He spent most of his career in theatres before becoming the Board’s Employee Director, a role which he has held for the last 8 years.
Colleagues have described Robert as a team player who was always willing to provide support and who acted with integrity and professionalism. As Employee Director, he was also praised for his ability to champion the rights of staff while also taking into account wider corporate responsibilities and see the bigger picture.
While Robert said he would not miss the work, he will definitely miss the people, including the many colleagues he has worked with during his long NHS career. He said: “It’s not always being easy to be a trade unionist and an Employee Director but I have had a fantastic journey.
“One of my biggest privileges has been to treat patients in Forth Valley and, despite the hard work and long hours, I have really enjoyed my time working in theatres. There is real teamwork and a great sense of humour that you don’t always find in other jobs and it has been a great career.”
“Having volunteered with the archaeologist at Stirling Council, I’m now looking forward to taking part in some digs over the summer so you may still see me out and about.”
