SALISBURY District Hospital said farewell last week to a man described as one of its "most respected and best loved managers".

The tribute was paid to Gwyn Blenkinsop, when he retired from the hospital after 44 years in the NHS - the last 20 of them in Salisbury.

Mr Blenkinsop (60) was the district hospital's medical devices manager, a role in which he was responsible for all medical equipment.

And in his earlier days in Salisbury, he was the projects manager, and masterminded the closure of the old city infirmary and Newbridge geriatric hospital and the transfer of all the medical services of the two complexes to the new district hospital at Odstock.

He was also involved in the clinical design of the district hospital, which opened in 1993.

Mr Blenkinsop began his health service career in Swansea in 1959 and later worked at St John's Hospital, Aylesbury, before returning to his native Wales to work at the West Wales General Hospital.

He later moved to High Wycombe General Hospital and then spent seven years at St Mary's, in London, before coming to Salisbury.

At a presentation ceremony at Salisbury District Hospital last week, Mr Blenkinsop received a watch, a pressure cleaner and other farewell gifts from health trust colleagues.

Paying tribute to him, director of operations for Salisbury health care trust Peter Hill, said:

"Throughout his long and distinguished career, Gwyn has been one of our most respected and best-loved mangers, going about his work with enthusiasm, dedication and a tremendous sense of humour.

"One of his many achievements was as project manager for the building of the new hospital. His skill and professionalism also resulted in the smooth move of patients and services to it from Salisbury Infirmary and Newbridge."

Mr Blenkinsop and his wife Jean, who works as a recovery nurse at the hospital, have two grown-up daughters.

A cricket enthusiast, he is chairman of Farley cricket club and still plays the game himself - having only last week played for Wiltshire Over-50s against Surrey.

Speaking of his health service career, he said: "I've thoroughly enjoyed my years in the NHS, particularly in Salisbury, where the people I have been fortunate enough to work with have always made me feel wanted."