We’ve said farewell to John Hambidge, consultant orthopaedic surgeon, who left our Trust on Friday 14 April after 13 years to start a new adventure - travelling with his wife and visiting the places he's "always wanted to visit".

John has shared some of his proudest moments, thoughts, and reflections of his time with us.

1. What is your proudest achievement from your time working here?
   I led a team that established the telephone fracture clinic (the current team is pictured below with John, second right). By using virtual triage we were able to deal with many of the patients who would usually attend face to face clinics distantly, directing them to physiotherapy, hand therapy, plaster room or other providers directly. This has resulted in a 40 per cent reduction in face-to-face fracture clinic attendances. That is over 16,000 patient visits a year saved!
2. Are there any changes that stand out, comparing when you first started at the Trust to now?
   While the Trust has grown the demand grows quicker. We have started to learn to work not just harder but smarter.
3. What are your plans for the future, what are you moving on to next?
   I am retiring and have no plans to restart work. My wife and I have bought a new motorhome and plan to visit the places we've always wanted to see.
4. Do you have any parting words of wisdom to share with us?
   Be kind to each other - this job is hard enough as it is.

Good luck John and happy retirement!