Countess of Chester Hospital porter works alongside his son and has no plans to retire

One of the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s longest serving staff members is still enjoying his job after more than 35 years – and even more so now his son has joined him at work.

Sean Sherry has been working for The Trust since the 1980s, back when the hospital was known as Chester City Hospital, and during the years since, has become one of the most familiar faces in The Trust.

Dublin-born Sean has worked in several roles over the decades, most often as a porter, and has chalked up close relationships with both staff and patients as time has passed.

And he's now even working alongside his son Daniel, who followed in his dad's footsteps to work as a porter within the Trust.

Sean, 67, who has seen nine UK prime ministers take office during his years working at The Trust, said the most challenging time working at The Trust was during Covid-19 during which time 'you could hear a pin drop in the wards'.

He added:

"It wasn't easy but we all still came in every day," he said. "We all just took it as it came because like most people, I love my job.

"I love the patients, it's all about them. Meeting them, talking to them, every day is different. My favourite thing is to see patients going home, even though I have built some good relationships with many of them."

Sean recalls:

"I never forget a face, I have an excellent memory! I remember about 10 years ago seeing a patient in the corridor I recognised from the City Hospital back in 1989! Some people just stick with you."

These days, Sean generally focuses on admin work but he still dips in and out of portering duties occasionally.  He has no plans to retire just yet, and is enjoying working with Daniel for the next few years at least.

Sean said:

"I'm just going to keep going at least for another few years. I love working here, I have hundreds of friends in this hospital and I'm even working with some of the children of my former colleagues!"

"I just love my job, my colleagues, my managers. I know hundreds of people by name in this hospital so I'll be around for a few years yet!"

Pictured - Sean with his son Daniel, who also works as a porter.