A DRIVER who has given 25 dedicated years to the NHS 111 Out of Hours service in Cornwall did his last overnight shift.

There will be more sleep in store now for Ken Satterly of Liskeard, who started work for KernowDoc in 1996 when the organisation was first set up.

GP Mark McCartney said: “During that time Ken has seen many changes, including the move from Passmore Edwards Hospital to the new Community Hospital.

“The introduction of computers and mobile phones made a big change, as the initial service required radio back up for the phones and the use of triplicate “no carbon required” NCR forms that had to be transmitted by fax.”

Despite the technological changes, the core role generally remained the same: making sure that patients across Cornwall could get the clinical help they needed.

Most local doctors have worked with Ken, from his first ever shift with Dr James Moore to the last with Dr Paul Whitelegg.

Patients have benefitted from Ken’s safe and professional attitude to the job.

Numerous colleagues turned up to see Ken during his last shift, based at Liskeard Hospital.

“Ken was always cheerful to work with and cared about the patients, the staff and the organisation he was working for,” said Dr McCartney.

“He will be missed, but deserves to have a well-earned retirement. We all thank him for what he has done over his 25 years of service.”