A popular cleaner who beat breast cancer and sepsis and has “loved every minute” of her near 37 years at Walsall Manor Hospital has retired.
Dawn Hammerton, Support Services Assistant in the Paediatric Assessment Unit (PAU) and Delivery Suite, has hung up her apron for good after celebrating her 66th birthday.
Before starting at Walsall Healthcare, the mum of four enjoyed very different careers in the two industries synonymous with the area – leather and lockmaking.
At 15 she started work at Greatrex Mason leather factory in Marsh Street, Walsall, making jewellery cases as a leather preparer, before becoming a lockmaker with Josiah Parkes in Willenhall.
But following the birth of her second child she wanted work that fitted in with her lifestyle as a busy mum so began a new career at Walsall Manor Hospital in February 1989.
Starting on the Intensive Care Unit where she spent two years, she worked for 33 years on the Neonatal Unit before switching to PAU in the new Urgent and Emergency Care Centre and Delivery Suite.
“I love my job and I’m so upset to leave, but it’s time now,” said Dawn, who worked full-time shifts right to her final day. “I’m sorry to go but if I don’t leave now, I don’t think I ever will!
“I’ve seen babies born who have now had babies of their own. I remember looking after a policeman’s daughter on ITU and she had been run over in an traffic accident.
“Years later I was around to see that lady had children of her own. It was lovely to see.
“I get on with everyone and I’ve never had a cross word with anyone. We all help each other out and we all pull together.
“I worked all through COVID-19 without having a day off, doing all the hours I could to help the Trust out. It was hard but we all kept each other going.
“I’ve made some really good friends as well as colleagues and I’ll continue to pop and see them. I’ve enjoyed every minute.”
Dawn returned to work as soon as she could after having chemotherapy and radiotherapy for breast cancer 13 years ago, then beat sepsis five years ago.
Now she plans to spend more time with her four grandchildren, aged one to 14, looking after the two youngest full-time while their mum works.
She will be supported by husband of 47 years John, 66, who is retiring after a long career as a warehouseman.
They plan on more trips to Wales, where they like to visit Aberystwyth and Borth and see family there.
Donna Fisher, Support Services Supervisor, said: “Dawn will be missed greatly by myself and the whole team.
“She’s friendly, hardworking and always willing to help. Also, she brings me an afternoon cup of tea which I’ll miss! I wish her all the best in her retirement.”
Dawn’s supervisor for more than a decade Sue Lewis, now retired, said: “Dawn has always shown compassion, empathy and kindness.
“She’s always been honest, reliable and kind to everyone she came into contact with.”