Hospital cleaner hangs up apron after 36 years

A hospital cleaner who has retired after 36 years said she had "enjoyed every minute" of her job, which included seeing generations of babies being born.

Dawn Hammerton, 66, had worked in Walsall Manor Hospital's delivery suite and paediatric assessment unit from 1989.

"I've seen babies born who have now had babies of their own," Ms Hammerton said.

"I love my job and I'm so upset to leave but it's time now."

Her colleagues said she was "honest, reliable and kind to everyone" and she would be much missed.

Before working at the hospital, Ms Hammerton worked in two industries that have played a big role in Walsall's history – leather and lock-making.

She started working at Greatrex Mason leather factory in Marsh Street when she was 15 and later became a lockmaker in Willenhall.

Following the birth of her second child, she said she wanted a job that fitted in with her family life and began her career at the hospital.

Ms Hammerton worked throughout the Covid pandemic and, before that, said she returned to work as soon as possible after treatment for breast cancer, 13 years ago.

"I worked all through Covid-19 without having a day off, doing all the hours I could to help the trust out. It was hard but we all kept each other going," she said.

Ms Hammerton has four children and four grandchildren and plans to use her retirement to spend more time with them.

She had her last day at work and her retirement party on Friday.

"I've made some really good friends as well as colleagues and I'll continue to pop and see them. I've enjoyed every minute," she said.

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