A familiar face in Theatres at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals is retiring after more than three decades of dedicated service to patients and colleagues.
Having spent 31 years at the Trust, following earlier service at Whittingham Hospital, Medical Devices Support Worker Mick Lowe leaves behind a remarkable legacy of support, training and commitment to staff safety.
Born and raised in Preston, Mick worked for the John Danson brewery company in Kent Street, before moving to Bamber Bridge, and later, as a Trade Union representative, he studied industrial relations and spent time at the London School of Economics and University of Kent, before returning to work.
Initially joining the Trust when Whittingham Hospital closed - where his mother and father also worked - he came to Royal Preston Hospital, where he was deployed as a porter as part of a team supporting patient movement and theatre operations.
He was then asked to managed Stores - a role he filled for around eight years - and when he turned 65, he chose not to step away completely. A role teaching health and safety, and moving and handling, was suggested, which he has enjoyed ever since: "I didn't want to stop working altogether," he explained. "When the opportunity came up to work a couple of days a week teaching health and safety and moving and handling, it felt like the perfect fit."
Over his time at the Trust, he has seen first-hand how the NHS has evolved. Reflecting on his career, he said: "The biggest highlight has always been the people. I've worked with some fantastic staff over the years, and I've always enjoyed helping people learn and develop."
Over the years, he has become a familiar and respected figure for generations of staff, delivering training on subjects including moving and handling, fire safety, medical gases, laser safety and general health and safety.
His practical approach and wealth of experience have helped countless colleagues develop the skills and confidence needed to work safely.
He said: "When I first started, things were very different," he said. "The equipment, drugs, technology and surgical techniques have all advanced beyond recognition. We're delivering treatments today that simply weren't possible 10 or 20 years ago."
While much has changed during his career, he believes the commitment of NHS staff has remained constant: The staff are always trying to achieve the best outcomes for patients and come to work wanting to do a good job and make a difference."
As he prepares for retirement, his immediate focus will be on his health following an operation, before spending more time with his wife, daughter and five-year-old granddaughter.
There will also be time for some of the hobbies he enjoys, including regular visits to the gym and holidays with his family.
Looking back on more than three decades of service, he is proud of the contribution he has made and the people he has worked alongside: "I've had a good career, worked with great people and seen some incredible changes in healthcare," he said. "It's been a privilege to be part of it."
Lead Clinical Educator Ashley Pinckard said: "Mick has dedicated over 30 years to the NHS, working across many areas during his long career at LTH. He is a Clinical Educator and is known across theatres for his huge character and fantastic sense of humour.
"He has made a real impact on so many staff members over the years, and he will be a significant loss to both my team and the wider department."
