Publish date: 5 July 2021
On 27 April 1978, James Callaghan was the UK’s Prime Minister, a pint of milk cost 12p, the first series of Grange Hill had just ended and ‘Night Fever’ by The Bee Gees reached number one in the singles chart. Most importantly, however, it was Debbie Matthew’s first day at St Bernard’s Hospital, as clerical officer, a day after her 16th birthday.
43 years later, Debbie is still working at the Trust. She is currently our longest-serving female member of staff.
“I was about to finish school and needed to find a job”. Debbie said. “My mum was working in the laundry department at St Bernard’s (from 1971 until she retired) and told me there were jobs here. The location was perfect for me, being born and raised in Greenford.”
“As Clerical Officer, I was processing a lot of data with a type writer and I remember one of my first responsibilities was to help print a weekly newsletter using a gestetner and what a messy job that was.”
During her 43 years at the Trust, Debbie has climbed the career ladder. She had her first promotion in 1983 as a Higher Clerical Officer, then moved on to being a Medical Secretary and Team Leader. She currently has a dual role as Medical Secretary/Deputy Head of Administration for Men’s Medium Secure Unit. She’s been based at Three Bridges since 1987 when the unit opened.
There are lots of reasons why Debbie’s time working at the Trust has spanned for six decades: “The work/life balance has always suited me here,” she adds. “And I’m incredibly lucky to have had an amazing team and great managers around me, motivating me and supporting me through the toughest times in my life. I’ve also been given plenty of opportunities to progress in my career.”
Debbie also fondly recalls the social life at St Bernard’s with the local community. “In 1979, at the Southall Carnival, there was a disco and competition where I was awarded the prize of ‘Princess of St Bernard’s’ (pictured, right); a memory which makes me smile to this day. Also, of note Butler House used to be a social club up until 1996 for staff and I was a barmaid there – we had some great times.”
Debbie has seen a lot of change during her time at St Bernard’s. Other than buildings at the site coming and going, the biggest change has been the Trust itself. “When I first joined, we were just one big hospital in Ealing. The Trust has expanded massively since and it’s amazing to see the variety of services out there today.”
“When I first started here, I was often asked what I did for a living. I’d tell them I work at a secure unit and I remember being asked if I was scared. I’d say it can be at times, but I also thank the Lord that there are places like St Bernard’s for people who really need help in their life.”
