Pharmacist John - described as a legend at his leaving do - has been supporting colleagues at CHFT for 35 years, and now he’s looking forward to dispensing help to his family and his scout group in his retirement.

John came to live in the Huddersfield area in 1979 to be closer to his then girlfriend Gill, who he then married.

He started working at the old Halifax Infirmary in 1982 (the year Dexy’s Midnight Runners had their top hit with Come on Eileen), moving on to his current role in medicines information. 

John calculated that since then, he and the team have answered around 25,000 drugs related queries from colleagues.

John said “I’ve seen lots of change at the Trust, people have come and they’ve gone again – and yet it’s the people that I’ll miss the most about working here. Every day has been different”.

John has also worked closely with the wards, the CCGs (Clinical Commissioning Groups) and the medicines management team, also introducing our drugs formularies in the early 90’s.

 John said “Gill retired at Easter, so we’ll have a holiday in Padstow, which our favourite place. I’ll also be helping my sons out with their new houses, getting out into my garden and doing more photography, which is another hobby.

“I’m also a scout leader, and qualified in mountaineering - so I’m really looking forward to spending much more time outdoors.

Deputy Clinical Director Pharmacy Fiona Smith said:  “John will be missed by so many staff in pharmacy and across the Trust – pharmacy will not be the same without him.  He has seen many changes in the department over the years and has been a pillar of strength to us all”.