Hospital security staff wonderful

Date published: 01 October 2013


THE Royal Oldham Hospital’s security staff have been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award by a grateful visitor.

Security team members including Robert Fairhurst, Muhammad Rahman, Kevin Stubbs, George Stirrup and Margaret Farley have been nominated by Linda Thompson (61), who praised them for their regular help.

Mrs Thompson, who lives near by at the Aster House sheltered homes, Aster Street, said: “The security staff are great.

“I visit the hospital every day to buy the Oldham Chronicle and also quite often as a patient, because I have a number of health problems.

“I’ve been having treatment over the past 12 years and suffer from angina, tremors, kidney problems and other things. I had a stroke in April.

“I walk using a frame and the security staff help me cross Rochdale Road and walk me up the path. They always say hello and ask how I’m doing. They also keep the hospital and the grounds safe.

“I can even see them doing their work from my kitchen window, helping patients and sorting out problems. They are wonderful and deserve an award.”

Mrs Thompson lives with husband John (66), a retired army dog handler.

Mr Fairhurst, the hospital’s security team leader, said: “It’s nice to be nominated by the public and patients, and to get some recognition for what we do.

“We all know Mrs Thompson and really appreciate her nomination. When she told me she had nominated us I thought she was winding me up. I was a bit surprised at first.

“A few staff have had individual awards from our company in the past, but this is the first time we’ve been nominated for a group award.”