A STALWART doctor’s receptionist from Leamington has retired from her post after five decades.
Pam Hinks was first employed at Park Street and Emscote Road in April 1970. Her only move came about when the two surgeries combined to become Avonside Health Centre on Portabello Way in Warwick in 2009.
Pam originally had ambitions to become a nurse with the army until her husband John proposed to her.
She said: “I was always going to be a nurse but then I met my husband, John, and he asked me to marry him so my plans changed.
“I don’t regret it at all – I’m very much a people person.”
Her years of dedication have earned her not only a Life Time Achievement Award from MP Matt Western, but also a letter of recognition from former care minister Helen Whately – something the humble mum-of-two said was entirely unexpected.
On saying goodbye after 50 years she said: “Life has been exciting to say the least with technology changes in the NHS big time.
“Many doctors have passed through the practices some still great friends.
“I’ve just adored my job as a receptionist for such a great number of years.”
