Blog

Meet the team in Berwick - Gareth Hicks

How long have you worked at/done a clinic at Berwick Infirmary?

I have worked in Berwick for 6 years.

Brief career history?

I trained in Newcastle, then did my initial surgical training in the Northern Deanery before moving to Yorkshire for higher surgical training. I then went on to complete a Pelvic Floor fellowship in London before taking up consultant post in Northumbria.

Why do you love working in Berwick?

I love working in Berwick because of the strong community. All the patients and staff are welcoming and friendly and it’s also a bonus to get to work in a town with such beautiful surroundings.

Can you share a couple of fond memories of working in the infirmary over the years?

I remember when I started as a consultant, I arrived over 1.5hours early for my clinic (the very first activity I did as a consultant) and the staff in the canteen recognised I was new. They made me feel welcomed by bringing me a cup of tea and they even freshly made me a bacon sandwich. I was sold on Berwick Infirmary for evermore.

How do you feel seeing the new hospital being built?

The new hospital is a great opportunity to develop new healthcare services in Berwick and for patients to not have to travel as far to receive their care.

How do you think the new hospital will improve patient care/experience?

With the development of the hospital comes new services and patients will be able to receive more streamlined care. Berwick residents being able to receive treatment closer to home is going to make a big difference and ease some of the pressure of having to travel.

Where were you born, where do you live and what do you do to relax?

I was born in Ashford, Middlesex, and now I live near Morpeth. To relax I ride mountain bikes, spend a lot of time on a tractor looking after the land we own, and make a large amount of ‘ornamental firewood’ as my wife calls it (woodworking).