It’s rare for an employee to celebrate ten years with one employer, much less 30 years from the time the employer opened its doors.
Charles Thomas is this rare treasure. On December 9, 2021, he celebrated 30 years with WakeMed, becoming a member of the WakeMed family a week before Cary Hospital opened to the public on December 16, 1991.
How It All Began
He recalls joining the team with joy.
“WakeMed had aired a commercial on TV looking for employees for the new hospital. I submitted my application over the weekend and that Monday, I got a call from Ms. Nancy Healy to come in for an interview. I just couldn’t believe it happened so fast. I interviewed with her on Monday. She then passed me along to the hiring manager, Mr. Hal Hitt. We talked, and he told me he’d get back to me the next day. I figured that meant I didn’t get it, but the next day, he called and said, ‘You got the job if you want it.'”
Known for being a dedicated, hard worker, Charles’ employer, was upset at the possibility of him leaving for a position at WakeMed and tried hard to persuade him to stay.
Meanwhile, Charles had started a side business with his mother in elder care. He realized that he truly enjoyed taking care of older adults and that helping people was what he really wanted to do.
“I got attached to the older people. I loved taking care of them — and this opportunity was available at WakeMed. I told my employer thanks, but I was going to take the job at WakeMed.”
What Charles Loves About WakeMed
Charles has loved working at WakeMed ever since. He is especially grateful for the benefits, the workload, and the opportunity to help people.
“At WakeMed, there is plenty of work, and I like to stay busy. I also love caring for people. That’s why I’m still here all these years later. I could retire, but I know we still need the support, and I want to do what I can. If the good Lord says ‘It’s time to go,’ I’ll go, but for now, He says to keep on keeping on.”
How the Hospital and Staff Have Changed Over the Years
When Charles started at WakeMed 30 years ago, the hospital was just two floors. Charles says, “If we had ten patients, it was a good day.”
Known for providing care for mostly older patients, Charles teases that it was affectionately nicknamed “the old folk’s hospital,” but now Cary Hospital sees all ages of patients.
He’s also hired and trained numerous people.
“I’ve hired and trained well over 100 people in these many years. WakeMed is just a big family. It’s a good place to work, and I encourage folks to come try it. Some people have left looking for something more, and then they realize how good they had it at WakeMed, and they’ve come back.”
Care for COVID-19 Patients
Charles says that the most memorable season at WakeMed was during the severe COVID-19 pandemic surge. He recalls this as a stressful time where they were short-staffed and worked long hours. He is grateful to God that they’ve made it through the various peaks of the pandemic thus far.
As for supporting patients with COVID-19, Charles did it gladly. “I prayed, took precautions and went in there. Every patient needs to know that someone cares.”
A Compassionate Heart for People
Charles truly cares for everyone — including his coworkers. Known fondly as “old man” and respectfully as “Mr. Thomas,” he keeps his eyes on what truly matters. While he’s received accolades and awards for his performance, and notoriety around the hospital, nothing is more important to him than his patients.
“I love all my patients. I love taking care of them. One day, I’ll be really old, and someone may have to take care of me. While I have health and strength, I hope to stay on and do what I can do. It’s been 30 years now, so one day if I need help maybe somebody will help me.”
This month, WakeMed Cary Hospital celebrates a significant milestone in its history — its 30th Anniversary since opening on December 16, 1991. Originally known as Western Wake Medical Center, the facility opened with 80 beds.
Today, Cary Hospital is the only full-service hospital in Cary, NC, bringing advanced medical care and innovative technology to one of the top-rated places to live in the nation. Conveniently located in western Wake County, it serves as a regional epicenter for specialized medical services and comprehensive care. The hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission and has won numerous awards for excellent quality, service and compassionate care.
