Paramedics retire after 85 years combined service

An ambulance service paid tribute to two paramedics who retired after a combined 85 years of service.

Nigel Pollitt and Kooberin 'Scooby' Naidoo completed their final shift at Banstead OU after 48 and 37 years respectively.

South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) colleagues said the pair would be hugely missed.

Pollitt and Naidoo spent much of their careers as paramedics, working together for the last five years at Secamb.

Head of operations at Banstead, Vicky Knights, said: "Both Scooby and Nigel have been stalwarts of the workforce over the past almost five decades and their care and professionalism to their patients has been second to none.

"Always a calm and reassuring presence, they are one of those crews that walk in the door at a tough job and you breathe a sigh of relief.

"Always smiling, always supportive and always present, Banstead OU will miss them hugely. We wish them both all the best."

Chief paramedic officer Jaqui Lindridge and deputy chief paramedic officer Michael Bradfield were among those who came to wish them well on their final day last month.

Politt joined Surrey Ambulance Service in May 1978 as a grade 2 ambulance man, moving from a career in retail.

Naidoo joined in January 1989 and both men completed the paramedic course six years later.

Pollitt said: "There have been so many changes during 48 years, but I think the most important has been introducing the paramedic role and seeing how much respect it is given by the medical profession and the general public.

"The workload and pressures on the ambulance service have increased as well."

Naidoo said his best advice for the ambulance service was that "you function better as a team".

"The best decision I made in my career was joining Surrey Ambulance Service," he said.

"If I could offer some advice, I feel one thing the service could do to improve is allow crew mates to work together and not have different staff daily or weekly. This translates to a better outcome for patients and staff welfare."

Both men say they are looking forward to making the most of their free time.

"I'm looking forward to relaxing and doing all those things work stops you from doing," said Naidoo.

For Pollitt, retirement means having more time with the family and their dog.

He said: "I plan on watching Surrey at the Oval and fitting in a few more holidays.

"Then trying to complete the wife's 'to do' list."

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, X, and on Instagram, and listen to BBC Radio Sussex on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.