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David
Maskell - Director of Operations
David was born in
South London, brought up in Middlesex and over the course of time
became a Chartered Quantity Surveyor.
He has two grown up children from his first marriage and is
a grandfather to Anna – (not a lot of people know that)!
He has always
been interested in the theatre, gardening, reading and walking.
(Eds. Note: David
said these hobbies were all the usual boring things – Please
note, his favourite – work, wasn’t included)!
Q:
How did you make your first connection with Phyllis
Tuckwell Hospice?
A:
In 1995 I was employed as a Consultant for the new
redevelopment at the Hospice and worked on the project for three
years until the end of 1998. I had built up a comprehensive knowledge of how the building
worked and dovetailed all the working procedures – then, in
1999, I was invited to join the Hospice as a staff member.
Q:
What job do you do?
A:
I joined the Hospice as Facilities Manager in July 1999 and
was responsible for all the things that support the visible work
of the Hospice – the building services, the administration, the
grounds etc., - it’s a very varied list, and No, I can’t tell
you how many light bulbs are needed to light the Hospice – but I
know someone who can!
Q:
What did you expect?
A:
I expected and experienced a complete change in working
culture – I came into the position looking for a challenge, with
my greatest strength being the knowledge I possessed about the new
building. I realized
I no longer wished to be self-employed and looked to join an
organization where I could make a real contribution.
Q:
What were your feelings when you first started?
A:
I followed a very steep learning curve when I first came
into the Hospice and remember noticing that we needed to put many
systems and policies in place to bring us up to speed with all the
new regulations that now have to be met. I thought implementing these would take about twelve months
– yet it’s still happening, eighteen months down the line!
Q:
Did you have any misconceptions?
A:
Firstly, let me say I enjoy this job more than my previous
career. Having said that, team working is very evident in the caring
side of the Hospice, - but because of the necessary budgeting
constraints – (most of our monies raised, rightly, are used for
the patients and their needs); there is only a very thin line on
the Administrations side. Also, despite the reason for the Hospice’s existence, I
didn’t realize what a happy place it would prove to be on a
daily basis.
Q:
How has your role changed?
A:
On November 1st, I became Director of Operations
and David Kinnear moved over to become Director of Fundraising. So
as well as all the facilities commitments, I am now responsible
for everything non-clinical or medical that happens in the
Hospice. In reality,
the main difference is now involvement with Personnel matters and
our Voluntary Services.
Q:
What would you say to anyone who hasn’t walked through
the doors of PTH before?
A:
Don’t be afraid to come, because it’s a happy place
you’re coming to and you will meet some wonderful people here.
Q:
If you could wave a magic wand – What would you wish for
the Hospice?
A:
Wish 1. Money to complete Phase 3 – which includes
education facilities and also provides additional much needed
storage space and accommodation fo0r Domestic Services.
Wish 2. I know
this sounds boring, but more secure Central Funding – because to
budget on an unknown amount each year is a leap of faith – and
we exist only because of the goodwill of the general public.
Wish 3. I wish
someone would take my phone away occasionally!
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