After an inspiring 43 years of dedicated service, much-loved bus driver Robert Stewart is hanging up his keys and retiring from the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.
Robert’s remarkable career and unwavering commitment were recently recognised when he was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Trust’s Chairman’s Awards.
Robert began his journey over four decades ago, working between Ards Hospital and the Ulster Hospital before joining the Bayview Team, where he has spent the last 15 years. Over the years, Robert has become a familiar and friendly face to staff and patients, always ready with a smile, a kind word and a steady hand behind the wheel.
Throughout his career, Robert has been admired for his reliability, good humour and genuine care for everyone he meets. His dedication to ensuring patients were safely transported to and from their appointments, often going above and beyond, has left a lasting impression on colleagues and the many people he has supported along the way.
Reflecting on his time with the Trust, Robert said, “I would not call it work. I love driving and I have loved meeting people along the way, so I do not really think of it as work.”
Elizabeth Green, who attends Bayview Day Centre said, “He will be really missed. All the clients will miss him. He made it a lot easier than I thought it would be when I first started coming to Bayview. If you needed to speak to him about anything, he was always there.”
Transport Officer, Darren Steele thanked Robert for his dedication and commitment over the years and added, “How do you replace someone that has been here for as long as Robert and they are going to be impossible shoes to fill. Robert was very much loved and respected by both service users and staff and I would like to thank him for his many years of outstanding service to the Trust.”
Robert concluded, “I will miss all the people I have met over the years, taking them to and from Bayview each day and the colleagues who I have worked with over the years. I know it is my time to go but I have had such a brilliant time here.”