Time for dedicated podiatrist to put his feet up
Date of release: 11 March 2024
A Wolverhampton podiatrist is finally putting his feet up to enjoy retirement following a career spanning more than 40 years in the NHS.
Robert Harness
Robert Harness graduated from Durham School of Chiropody with a Diploma in Podiatry and started his professional career as a Chiropodist in 1979 working for Northumberland Chiropody department.
Following this he moved back to Wolverhampton in 1980, where his parents lived, and joined the “Wolverhampton Area Health Authority” based at Bankfield House.
His first role was to set up a toenail surgery unit in 1982 within the department which at the time was a radical development within Podiatry.
The 67-year-old, who works for The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, said; “It feels very strange to be retiring. I love my job as I can take pain away for patients. I have also loved working with my team and I will miss them all.”
During his long career, Robert has seen numerous changes to his profession.
He said: "It is certainly a lot more structured and organised now. People are also living to an older age and are more aware of their lifestyles.
"When I first came to Wolverhampton nobody used anaesthetics, so I set up a male surgery unit for toenail surgery as soon as I got to the area. This is still running now and I am very proud of it.
"I am also very proud of the clinic we set up to provide foot care for the homeless at Thornley Street Surgery.
"What gets me up in the morning is to take pain away from the world. That is all I want to do.
"I am very privileged to have worked with some lovely people – colleagues and patients."
In lockdown Robert decided to learn how to carve and sculpt wood and clay and will continue this passion during his retirement.
At his very last team meeting this month, which was particularly emotional for many of his long-standing friends and colleagues, Robert presented some of the team with a collection of personally carved and sculpted hands and feet.
Russell Hanks, Service Manager, Podiatry, said: “Robert has been a mainstay within the team and his cheery demeanour and a love for random facts has kept many of the team entertained over the years.
"Robert’s famous stories will be missed, along with his, commitment to his patients and a career he himself describes as “a privilege to treat patients and be able to take pain away from them."
"Robert you will be missed by patients and colleagues alike."
ENDS
- For further information, please email amy.downward@nhs.net
