A past deputy general secretary of Nautilus International, Peter McEwen, was thanked for his long service to the Seafarers Hospital Society (SHS) during a celebration marking the end of bicentennial commemorations for the 200-year-old charity.
Mr McEwen (MBE MNM), served as chair of the Seafarers Hospital Society for 12 years after his appointment in 2010, adding to his prior service as a trustee for the charity for 11 years. Under his remit, the organisation has broadened its provision for seafarers in the UK beyond priority medical treatment in the Dreadnought Unit at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital.
He also spearheaded efforts to extend the crucial work of the Seafarers' Advice and Information Line, of mental health provision through Togetherall, and of testing and extending work with the SeaFit programme. He worked to improve much needed provision of support for seafarers working in UK fishing fleets, while maintaining support for those in the Merchant Navy.
Mr McEwen was thanked for his service at a bicentennial drinks reception in April hosted by Trinity House. The event also welcomed incoming chair Captain Kuba Szymanski, secretary-general for InterManager.
Seafarers Hospital Society CEO Sandra Welch said: 'Peter has truly supported the Society's staff, and his pride in their work was obvious for us to see – and shared by the trustees. Peter's determination, vision and humour will be missed, but we will continue to benefit from his dedication and service, and we thank him sincerely for all his hard work and care over these many years.'
Mr McEwen said: 'In my time as a trustee and chair, my mantra – which I believe was the same as the founders – has been that if the Society wasn't moving forward, it would go backwards. No standing still! '
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