An NHS staff member who has committed 50 years of his life to the health service has spoken of his “pride” at the achievement.
Chris Macklin, who is a non-executive director at University Hospitals Tees, signed his first contract in the National Health Service on 24 February 1975.
This was as a clerical officer at what was then called the Hampshire Area Health Authority in Southampton.
Since then, his career has taken him across the country in various roles – and has also included meeting his wife Claire and having his two children Robert and Hannah, before eventually ending in Teesside.
Chris, pictured with his first ever NHS contract, said: “I started at the very bottom rung of the ladder and have enjoyed my career ever since – every single day.
“I hope my enthusiasm has rubbed off on others and I have made a difference and been able to bring my experience and knowledge to different organisations.”
Chris, who will retire at the end of April as he prepares for the arrival of his first grandchild, has held numerous positions across the country over the years, including at Westminster Hospital in London, to North Wales and then to Norfolk.
It was in 1996 when he was asked to work at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead that he made his move to the north east.
He then worked at other positions including as director of finance at Sunderland Primary Care Trust, then into a group position at NHS South of Tyne and Wear, before a move to the Sunderland Clinical Commissioning Group as chief finance officer and then as a lay member.
After having a well-earned rest, he was asked if he was interested in serving as a non-executive director at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust.
This involved working closely with the trust’s director of finance, chairing committees and being part of several consultant appointment panels championing having a life and career in the region.
When the University Hospitals Tees group was formed between North Tees and Hartlepool and South Tees Hospitals trusts, Chris continued his role across the organisations.
Professor Derek Bell, the group’s chair, said: “I know that Chris has helped transform how NHS accounts are handled and that many finance teams across the country work to a standard he consistently set through his long and successful career.
“From a personal point of view, Chris’ passion, dedication, knowledge and experience have been vital in helping myself and my colleagues to do our work here in Teesside.
“Chris has taken the time to meet staff, build a rapport with them and to learn from them – skills which have helped him carry out his role here.
“He has been an inspirational leader over the course of his career and I would like to congratulate him on reaching 50 years in the NHS – a magnificent achievement.”