IT’S an end of an era for Tamworth hospital as it farewells one of its longest-serving workers.
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Fred Weidner began working at the hospital’s engineering and maintenance department 40 years ago, when the then-new Brudelin building first opened its doors.
Now on the cusp of the redeveloped hospital opening, Mr Weidner is hanging up his spanners for retirement and a coastal change to be closer to his children.
He was called in when anything at the hospital needed fixing – from washing machines to hot water systems, sanitisers and sterilisers, and about 250 hospital beds, he estimates.
Mr Weidner has been a crucial part of a behind-the-scenes team that keeps the hidden cogs of the hospital well-oiled, so emergencies and surgery can take place without a hitch.
His colleagues made a model of their workshop’s chiller refrigerator for Mr Weidner’s farewell.
They also gave him a certificate of thanks, speeches and a spread of food.
Some fellow maintenance staff gave Mr Weidner a novelty giant packet of potato chips, joking they were happy to see the end of Mr Weidner’s “whinging” about stale chips.
