Tributes Paid to Former Branch Sec Pat Powell


If you have any memories of Pat, as a colleague, friend or family member, then we would love to hear your stories.









7 comments:

  1. Staff across University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust have paid tribute to Pat Powell. Pat, who sadly passed away on 23 December 2015 after a long illness, was known to many staff through her work as a former Staff Side Chair and Unison Branch Secretary/Representative. Many staff also knew Pat through her long and dedicated service as a healthcare assistant and ward clerk. Pat was very passionate about the Trust and a fantastic ambassador for staff and patients alike. She will be sadly missed by her family, friends and former colleagues.

    Rob Irving, Staff Side Chair, said: "Pat was a dedicated and passionate trade unionist who worked tirelessly on behalf of the staff of UHNM over many years. I was brought into the trade union movement by Pat and she generously shared her vast knowledge with me, and was a great mentor and colleague over a number of years. She was greatly respected and loved throughout the Trust and will be dearly missed by a great many of us."

    Ro Vaughan, Director of Human Resources, said: "I worked with Pat for many years in her capacity as a Unison representative, and latterly as staff side chair. Her practical and compassionate approach to dealing with issues and supporting staff was a credit to her. She was extremely loyal to the Trust and what the NHS stands for. I feel privileged to have worked with her for many years on some very challenging issues, and I am extremely saddened to hear of her death."

    Michael Way, Unison Branch Chair, said: "This is very sad news indeed. Pat was a formidable woman and dedicated trade unionist. I had the privilege of knowing Pat from when she signed me up to the union in 2008 and she mentored until I took the reins as Branch Secretary when she became too ill to continue in 2010. I'm glad she had some good years with her family, husband John, and of course her beloved dogs, from which Pat and John helped run the rescue and re-homing centre.

    ​"The couple helped found the national Cocker and English Spaniel rescue society, which has found new homes for 1,520 dogs. One of her last acts in the Trust was to attend the 2010 Staff Awards, where she received a special Chief Executive's commendation and was honoured for 'outstanding contribution to staff and the Trust' in over 34 years of service. Pat attended with her husband and daughters and was delighted to receive her award. In her thank you speech, Pat dedicated the award to all staff, especially those who have nursed her through her past and present illness, this was met by the loudest round of applause of the evening.

    ​"I think it fitting to recall that now, especially her gratitude to the staff at the Trust. She was a wonderful and compassionate lady who will be missed by all, and I feel privileged to have known her. The branch is discussing a lasting memorial or legacy in remembrance and recognition of her many years union work in service to our members and all employees at the Trust. Rest in peace comrade."

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  2. A LONG-SERVING union organiser has lost her six-year fight against cancer.

    Tributes were last night paid to Pat Powell, who died at the Royal Stoke University Hospital at the age of 69.

    The mother-of-two was secretary of the Unison branch at the hospital from the mid-1990s and retired six years ago.

    Mrs Powell, of Aynsley Street, Shelton, worked for the NHS for 36 years following a spell in the pottery industry.
    She had been head of the hospital branch of the National Union of Public Employees, before it was merged with other unions to form Unison.

    She was known for energetically fighting for the rights of its 3,000-plus members, but also earned the respect of senior managers she negotiated with.

    Husband John, who she met in 1963, said last night: "Pat was unique. She was a tireless campaigner for others and respected by so many."

    The couple helped found the national Cocker and English Spaniel rescue society, which has found new homes for 1,520 dogs. She was trustee and treasurer.

    Her other hobby was restoring old furniture.

    She started her hospital career in its pharmacy, and spent years as the clerk on the heart/chest ward at the former University Hospital of North Staffordshire.

    Mrs Powell had been a heavy smoker since her teens, but despite giving up, she was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2009.

    It remained in remission for five years before spreading to other organs a year ago.

    She became involved with the union when previous branch secretary, Frank Knox, asked her to take over the clerical duties.

    The hospital's current joint union leader and Unison official, Rob Irving, said: "Pat was a legend of the trade union movement in Stoke-on-Trent.

    "She brought me into the union and mentored me during her time here. A lot of what I know and do now is due to Pat.

    "She was a very long-serving member of staff at UHNS and she is well-respected and well-thought of throughout the trust.

    "This is a very sad loss, not just for Pat's friends and family, but for the trade union movement and the staff at the hospital trust.

    "The thoughts of everyone at Unison are with Pat's friends and family at this sad time, and we will make sure she is given a fitting tribute when we return in the new year."

    Hanley-born Mrs Powell, who died two days before Christmas, leaves five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

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  3. Every time that we smile,
    Every time that we sigh,
    We think of your face,
    And a tear escapes our eye’s.
    You were our world,
    Our inspiration and our heart,
    But when you left us,
    We thought we would fall apart.
    You were our best friend,
    Our one true ‘confidante’,
    And that’s not all you were,
    You were also our mum.
    We don’t want to live without you,
    But you would have wanted us to,
    And if there’s anyone we want
    to make happy,
    That anyone is you.
    We would give anything to have you back,
    But we know now that it was meant to be,
    For you are still watching from up there,
    And we know you’re watching us.
    We will make you proud mum,
    We are going to fulfil your wish,
    You’re going to see us and smile,
    That’s your daughter’s promise.

    Juliet Powell Justina Hancock

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  4. Pamela Taylor Pritchard - Thats beautiful girls xxxx
    Jane Gerrity - Xxxx
    Rose Hancock - Lovely words Justina Hancock and Juliet Powell for a lovely mum xx
    Mandy Richardson
    Tess Tickle Hughes - Beautiful x
    Karen Budworth - Lovely words so true she will watch over you thinking of you all xxx
    Debbie Danitsch - Beautiful
    Janet Clarke - My heart is broken for your loss what a moving tribute x
    Judith Lawton - Beautiful words, thinking about you all.
    Pamela Bailey - Beautiful words my heart goes out to you at this sad time I am so glad to have met your mum again at Kate’s ordination I went to school with pat it was so nice to see her again and to keep in touch with her on face book I am Malcolm’s sister Pamela Kate’s Aunty love to you all xxx
    Stephanie Brannan - So sorry for your loss Juliet x
    Claire Chetwynd Beautiful Juliet x
    Christine Brass a beautiful tribute xx
    Janet Clarke - Thinking of Pats family at this sad time you will be greatly missed Pat my fellow trade unionist and friend xx
    Margaret Green - so very proud to have worked with this lady xxx thoughts to her family xxx
    Paul Joynson - RIP pat xx
    Peter Williams - Rip Pat I didn’t realise we were distant relatives until I started the family tree god bless.
    Sam Jones - Saw Pat in action once as a union leader - formidable! We need many more people like her, although she was a rarity that’s been long missed since retiring. Many thanks Pat and RIP.x
    Hazel Smith - RIP Pat, lovely lady x
    Lana Kim - RIP to a truly wonderful lady x
    Angela Johnson - RIP Pat a very lovely lady x
    Suzanne Beck - RIP Pat - The world is better because of you. Thoughts with your family at this sad time.
    Paulo Unyolo - I have fond memories of Pat from working with her on the Cardiothoracic RIP. Condolences to the Family.
    Cheryl Smith - RIP Pat x
    Anita Evans - R.I.P.Patx
    Julie Ann Clegg - RIP Pat
    Paula Chell Karl Mansell-Green
    Jane Joynson - Fond memories of pat on ward 22 cardiothoracic ward. sad loss of a lovely lady .and a inspirational woman .condolences to john and family RIP pat xxx
    Anne Walton - She will be greatly missed
    Ros Castle R.I.P Pat. - Brilliant at her job. Thanks for what you did for me Pat. X x
    Brenda Riley - Rest in peace pat X
    Allan Turner - R.I.P. Pat

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  5. Suzanne Leech - Oh my goodness, I am so sad to hear that. God bless her, may she rest in peace xx
    Barbara Clayton Butcher - So sad to hear this. Pat was great and will be sadly missed by so many of us. Thinking and praying for her family at this difficult time. Will also see if I can pay my respects on the 11th January xx
    Jenny Bourne Was Lowe - Oh my goodness such sad news an icon and true legacy of the NHS and cardio thoracic days rest in peace pat xxx
    Rob Irving - Very sad news. Im sure all at UHNM will join me in saying what a well respected member of staff Pat was, a fine trade unionist who will be fondly remembered by all at the hospital, particularly Unison colleagues and members.
    Adge Cuttler - Deepest condolences Jue xxx
    Luisa Shone - Deepest condolences...so sad xx
    Sue Mulby - Please accept my condolences - Pat will be very much missed
    Nicky Hulme - Such sad news Pat was one in a million such a beautiful funny lady my thoughts are with you all xxxxxxx
    Sally Smith - So sad to hear this news. A great woman who will be greatly missed xx
    Kerry McIntosh - Sad news. RIP x
    Jo Wade - Such sad news, she was a lovely lady X deepest sympathies John and Jue X X X
    Susan Finch - So sorry Jue ..hugs xx
    Rachel Platt - So sad a lovely lady, many a laugh on ward 14 and 21 with her , RIP Pat xx
    Jane Gerrity - So sorry to hear this Jue,your mum was a lovely person,thinking of you all xx
    Nadera Mali - The Cardiothoracic team have fond memories of Pat. Heartfelt condolences to the family at this sad time.
    Sharon Wood - So sad and upset to see this post - I will miss Pat so much - she has always been a support for many people over the years, a strong and very funny woman - my thoughts are with her family and many friends
    Carla Goodwin - I remember pat, with such fond memories on ward 14/21. Such a lovely, kind and funny lady. RIP pat x
    Sandra Timmis - RIP pat.... x
    Janet Hadala - rest in peace pat.xx
    Sam Weaver - RIP Pat xx
    Margaret Green - RIP Pat xxxx
    Shimmy Vinu - I remember pat so sad news RIP pat xx
    Jane Tordoff - RIP Pat. Memories from a very happy time x
    Barbara Purcell - RIP Patxxx
    Yvonne Davies - Very sad news - a lovely lady Xx
    Justine Alldritt - Such sad news. RIP Pat.... A lovely lovely lady. My thoughts r with all of her family xx
    Jackie Dunn - I am so sorry to hear this. A wonderful woman who will be sadly missed. RIP Pat. x x x
    Janet Clarke - What sad news dear Pat a fellow trade unionist and friend to many RIP you lovely lady .
    Asha Seewoosaha - Very sad to hear this, I have fond memories of Pat from when I started on cardiothoracic. Condolences to all her family from myself and both my parents. Rest in peace Pat xxx
    Mel Mountford - RIP Pat xx
    Maxine Armantrading - Very sorry to hear of your loss. Fond memories of times on ward 14.
    Mandy Richardson - This is such sad news,My heart goes out to you juliet And Justina love to you girls and your dad.
    Deborah Spencer - I am so sorry, thoughts with you xxx
    Tess Tickle Hughes - So sorry sending big hugs to you all give your dad I hug from me xxxxx
    Donna Sales Very sorry to hear this sad news, thoughts with all her family xxx
    Ian Stanton Some very fond memories and great rip roaring laughs with Pat. Very much missed by many xxx
    Sharyll Corpus Rances - Condolences to the family of Pat. She was a very lovely woman. I had fond memories working with her in cardiothoracic Ward 14.Rest in peace xx
    Sophie Snape - Such sad news, a lovely lady x
    Nina Hambleton - So sorry to hear this sad news RIP pat xx

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  6. Darren Sloan - Sorry for your loss XX
    Janet Cooke - such sad news, lots of happy memories from ward 14 x
    Debbie Danitsch - Gosh I am so sorry for the families loss she will be terribly missed
    Donna Rutter - So sorry to hear that, lots of love xx
    Juliet Powell - thank you all for your kind words, i will pass them all on to Dad xxx
    Debbie Danitsch - Yes and please remember me to him I helped to look after him when he had his surgery few years ago now. I was lucky enough to catch up with your mum again after many years of not seeing her and we went out for meal on Stoke lovely catch up
    Janet Hadala Juliet Powell - ya mum did a lot for me she will be missed i had the pleasure of nursing her wont say where cos of confidentiality. she will be missed what i loved about pat she called a spade as the saying goes i will do my.best to be there my thoughts and prayers are with you all xxx
    Janet Hadala - julie your mum.worked very hard and i hope and pray the upper people are there to represent the hospital for your mum xx
    Margaret Gratton - So very sad, Pat was a very lovely courageous lady, fond memories of many hours spent with Pat at NSRI, RIP Pat xx
    Tracey Buxton - So sad what a wonderful lady RIP pat x
    Karin Lund - So sad to hear lots of good memories from ward 14 RIP Pat xx
    Dale George - Sorry to hear such sad news. She was a lovely lady. RIP Pat X
    Hilary Smith - Very sad news she was a lovely lady who was liked and respected by all xx
    Lorna Price - So sad to hear this news, Pat was such a lovely lady supported me when I had any problems RIP love Lorna x
    Kath Heraty - So sad, lovely lady and very committed ad respected x
    Melanie Haughton - So sad to hear the news. An amazing hard working lady. My condolences to her family and friends. X

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  7. Funeral Arrangements: Monday 11th January 2016 11am at Carmountside Crematorium

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