We spoke to Andrew Hind, clerk of works as part of National Healthcare Estates and Facilities Day.
What is your name and your role in our hospitals?
My name is Andrew Hind and I am a Clerk of Works within the Capital and Planning Department which is part of the Capital, Estates and Facilities Directorate here at CUH.
Tell us a bit about your CUH journey.
My journey at CUH began in June 2017 when I was appointed Clerk of Works for the Capital Department. Arriving on the Monday after my predecessor's Friday departure, with no prior knowledge of CUH, the place initially felt daunting. However, fear not! I must have joined one of the best teams ever. They were so welcoming and friendly, providing the best introduction I've received from any employer in my over 30 years of experience.
My NHS story didn't start at CUH. Six years prior, in 2011, I began as a maintenance assistant/joiner at my local Trust. I quickly climbed the job ladder at United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT), but I craved a bigger challenge at a larger Trust, and they don't come much bigger than CUH.
After school, I completed a five-year carpentry and joinery apprenticeship at my local council. This experience sparked my interest in becoming a Clerk of Works after being interviewed by Martin Ellis of the Great Grimsby Borough Council Works Department. He became a role model for me. The council provided me with an excellent education, culminating in advanced carpentry and joinery skills by my fifth year.
A short stint in the RAF followed, then 11 years of self-employment as a carpenter. This included a unique experience – four years on a remote Scottish island as the sole tradesperson. There, I gained vast knowledge in other trades and life experiences. Finally, I felt my career goal of becoming a Clerk of Works was within reach.
The NHS interview, despite being 680 miles away (involving two ferries, two trains, a bus, a taxi!), went well.
I impressed them with my answers about island life, birds, and of course, my trade knowledge.
I truly believe I have the best job ever within the best team. In a nutshell, as a Clerk of Works, I ensure contractors adhere to exact standards and quality as outlined in contractual information like drawings and specifications. Additionally, I verify compliance with all statutory regulations, including Building Regs, Department of Health Guidelines (HTM & HBN), and our local CUH protocols, policies, and procedures. Maintaining a safe construction site environment is also paramount for a successful project.
With nearly 80 projects under my belt as a Clerk of Works in healthcare, I consider myself experienced but always eager to learn more and stay updated on regulations.
Why do you like working at CUH?
I love my job at CUH because I feel responsible for getting the best results from contractors and contracts, ultimately improving our NHS estate for both patients and staff.
Seeing a completed project and the smiles on patients' and staff's faces when they move into a new facility is incredibly worthwhile.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
Within our Capital Clerk of Works Team, Phil Harle and Aurelio Ibayan share the same dedication and vision of producing exceptional new healthcare projects, even under the very challenging conditions of constructing within a live, 24/7 hospital environment. Healthcare construction presents some of the most intricate challenges in the industry, but overcoming these obstacles, particularly in restricted areas, is incredibly rewarding. While we wish drilling, hammering, and wall demolition could be done silently, we strive to minimize disruption whenever possible.