A HEALTHCARE assistant who has retired after 49 years is looking forward to putting his feet up for a deserved break.

Ernie Poole, 65, started work at Whiston Hospital when he was just 15 as a messenger boy before officially starting at 18, going on become a healthcare assistant.

Taking care of elderly patients and helping them with their daily needs, Ernie always approached his job with kindness and compassion and became a much-loved figure among the hospital staff.

“The staff at Whiston are good people and I have been very lucky,” said Ernie, who lives in Whiston with Dorothy, his wife of 37 years.

“I will miss it but it was time for me to go, I always said that I would retire at 65. I’ll miss the workmates and the work as well but I have got my health and thought I’ll go now.”

Ernie’s last day was on November 1 when his colleagues on Ward 5B bid him a fond farewell as he received a decanter as a token of thanks for all of his dedication over the years.

Ernie says he has no immediate plans for his retirement and is going to put his feet up and relax for a while.

“I have no definite plans at all at the moment, I’m just going to take it easy and take a well earned break!”

On his retirement, Ann Marr, chief executive of Whiston Hospital said: “What makes Ernie so special is not just his 49 years service, but the extra time, care and attention he gives to all of his patients, going the extra mile to make sure they are comfortable and always on hand with a smile and a song.

“Everyone who knows Ernie will miss him greatly, especially his colleagues on the ward. We wish him a very long, happy and healthy retirement.”