Tom Campbell and Aaron Bartlett celebrated 10 years of service with Maitland Private Hospital this week.
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These workmates have shown dedication to overcome some big hurdles with support from disability service provider Mai-Wel’s Hunter LabourForce Solutions.
“I’ve only known [the two men] a couple of years, but I’ve come to see that they take a lot of pride in their work,” hospital CEO Brett Dennett said.
“I’d like to have them here for another 10 years.”
Mr Campbell started at the hospital in February 2004 and Mr Bartlett joined him in May the same year.
Their tasks include mowing, edging, weeding, watering, cleaning gutters and washing hospital cars in two shifts a week.
Mr Campbell has tuberous sclerosis, which is a neurological condition that causes intellectual delay, skin rashes and epilepsy.
The condition also caused a brain tumour in Mr Campbell and that was removed in 2007.
“It’s really good working here,” Mr Campbell said.
“It’s been amazing and everyone is nice to me.”
Mr Bartlett has a congenital abnormality as well as anxiety and Aspergers.
“I really enjoy it here,” he said.
“I love working here and keeping the grounds clean.”
The hospital directly employs the men under the federal government’s supported wage system.
The system is designed to encourage workplaces to employ people who might not otherwise work.
Mai-Wel training and support officer Shannon O’Hara helps Mr Bartlett and Mr Campbell on a regular basis.
The hospital marked the anniversary with morning tea.
