Much loved NHS hero celebrates 60 years of service at the Trust | News

A much loved 80-year-old NHS hero from Godalming, will this week celebrate his 60th anniversary of working at the Trust.

Javed Butt first began his long career with the NHS on 6 June 1960. He began his career working as a technician in the Radiology Department at Milford Community Hospital, then known as Milford Chest Hospital.

Javed initially only planned to work there for three years whilst studying electrical engineering at Guildford College.

While working at Milford, Javed met his future wife Lisa, who was an Operating Theatre Nurse at the hospital. In 1962 they were married and went on to have two sons.

In his spare time Javed is a keen photographer and in the mid 1960’s he began working an additional two afternoons a week for the Trusts’ Medical Illustration Department, then based at St Luke’s Hospital in Guildford.

Sixty years later and at the age of 80, Javed continues to work five mornings a week in the Radiology department at Milford Community Hospital and two afternoons a week with the Medical Illustration team at Royal Surrey.

Javed said: “I can’t quite believe it has been 60 years since I started working for Royal Surrey – I have enjoyed every minute of it.

“Although it would have been fantastic to be able to celebrate with my colleagues, I am staying safe at home with the goal of getting back to work as soon as I can.”

Louise Stead, Chief Executive of the Trust said: “What an extraordinary achievement.

“Javed must be one of the longest serving NHS employees and I’m really proud that he has chosen to spend his career with us.

“His dedication, hard work and tenacity is inspiring to us all and we are incredibly lucky to have him as a member of our Royal Surrey Family.

“We hope he has a fantastic day celebrating at home and we look forward to welcoming him back when it is safe for him to do so.

“I would like to take the opportunity to say a huge thank you to Javed for his dedication to Royal Surrey and the NHS over the years.”

Due to his age and the risks of Covid-19, Javed is currently shielding at home with his wife and taking his daily exercise by walking around his garden.

He is looking forward to getting back to work at the Trust as soon as it is safe for him to do so.