A 'dedicated' healthcare worker is stepping back after 50 years at Wrightington Hospital

Operating department practitioner Geoff Halliwell worked alongside some of the world’s pioneering surgeons during his lengthy career.

Hailing from Aspull, he started working at the hospital in 1973 as an anaesthetic technician, when there were just 15 wards and two theatres.

Geoff’s early career brought him into a close working partnership with Prof Sir John Charnley, the pioneering surgeon of the modern hip replacement that transformed lives around the world.

Beyond the operating theatre, Geoff played a pivotal role in the professional recognition of the technician’s role, which was considered an ancillary post, and was at the forefront of the campaign to establish it as a registered profession.

He became the first operating department practitioner (ODP) within the trust to hold the same status as a nurse in charge.

Over the decades, Geoff has guided countless students, many of whom still stop him in the streets years later to share their gratitude and memories.

His long service was formally recognised in 2007 when he received an invitation, put forward by Prof Sir John Stanley, to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace.

Geoff said: “This day became even more exciting as my wife May and I were chosen to meet the late Queen Elizabeth II. We spoke for around five minutes about the advances being made in surgery and anaesthetics. It was a day that will stay with me forever.”

Staff at Wrightington Hospital and throughout Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundations Trust (WWL) applauded Geoff for his long service, his leadership in the profession and his unwavering dedication to patient care.

Wrightington theatre manager Carrie Wilkie said: “Geoff is a dedicated and highly valued member of the team, admired and respected by all his colleagues. His 50 years of service to the NHS and trust is an outstanding achievement and truly extraordinary when you pause to reflect on it.

“It is an absolute pleasure and honour to work with him.”

Geoff added: “I have always considered my job a privilege – to work alongside some of the finest surgeons, anaesthetists and nursing colleagues - but above all caring for the many patients who have passed through our hands.”