50 years of NHS service and beyond: Thank you Algis | Latest news

At 66 years old, Algirdas Viliunas, known to colleagues as Algis, is celebrating two remarkable milestones: 50 years in the NHS and 41 years at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH).

His story is not just one of longevity, but of dedication, pride, and a lifelong passion for keeping things running behind the scenes.

Algis began his NHS journey at Coppice Hospital at the age of 16, so young that his manager needed special permission for him to start work. What began as an early opportunity quickly turned into a lifelong career.

Healthcare runs in Algis’s family. He was born at Nottingham City Hospital, where his mother worked as a nurse, while his father was a miner in Gedling. Reflecting on his early days, Algis said: “My mum was really proud when I got into the NHS.”

In many ways, his career became a tribute to both his parents, working with coal like his father, and serving in the NHS like his mother.

When Algis stepped into his first role, a colleague famously told him:

“What are you doing here? This is an old man’s job, you’re not going to last.” Fifty years later, Algis has more than proved them wrong.

In 1985, Algis joined Nottingham City Hospital as a boiler operator, or ‘stoker’, as the role was originally known, long before the creation of NUH.

Even when the Trust was formed, Algis recalls little change in his day-to-day work:

“Nothing really changed for me, we just referred to QMC as the mothership.”

Though often unseen, Algis highlights the importance of his work: “Lots of people don’t realise what goes into a hospital to keep it running.”

Algis’s love for engineering is clear: “Give me an engine and a boiler and I am happy.”

That passion extends beyond his job, with a personal interest in steam-powered engines and machinery, a fitting hobby for someone whose career has revolved around them.

For Algis, the NHS has provided not just a job, but stability and satisfaction:

“I’m always happy doing what I did, nice steady, secure job.” He also reflects positively on the opportunities available:

“They always gave you opportunities if you wanted them.”

Despite reaching an incredible 50 years of service, retirement isn’t quite calling yet:

“I’ve still got the steam in me”. And when invited to the NUH long service awards held this week, Algis was shocked, “I wasn’t expecting that at all.” Algis attended the Long Service Awards to celebrate colleagues service and dedication to the NHS and treat them to an afternoon tea, where he received a special 50-year recognition award from Chief Executive, Anthony May.

Looking back, there’s no doubt how Algis feels about his journey: “Loved it, still love it. Brilliant career.”

Algis’s career and lifelong commitment to the NHS is a reminder of how the people behind the scenes continue to keep the hospital cogs turning and operating for all patients and staff.