Jim Barnes, a Fellow of IHEEM, Chartered Engineer, and the first Principal, in the late 1960s, at the then newly established Hospital Engineering Centre in Falfield (later Eastwood Park), has died, aged 89.
Born on 28 July, 1924, and initially brought up in Kent, Jim Barnes then spent part of his childhood in Egypt – his father was a soldier – before completing his secondary education in Salisbury. On leaving school aged 16, he undertook four years’ engineering training with the Royal Navy at Torpoint in Devon, before joining the service full-time, where he travelled all over the world. Rising to become a chief engine room artificer, he saw active service towards the end of World War II, including on the battleship HMS Warspite during 1944’s Normandy landings. On leaving the Navy he served briefly as a civilian engineer at a military training establishment, but on hearing of a vacancy for a chief engineer to oversee the building of the new University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, successfully applied. He was later appointed group engineer to the original Charing Cross Hospitals in London, and was heavily involved with the construction and operation of the New Charing Cross Hospital in Fulham. In 1969 he was appointed the first Principal at the new Hospital Engineering Centre at Falfield, working alongside administrator, Harry Pethen, and remaining with the training facility until he retired in 1986. Harry Pethen writes: “Initially the Centre provided courses for mechanical and electrical engineering craftsmen, with separate ones for professional and technical hospital engineering staff. Over time, word about the then unique training available spread throughout the UK, and the rest of the English-speaking world. Jim adapted his focus to reflect the many changes occurring in the NHS, and championed courses for other professional staff who interfaced with estates managers. He became wellknown and respected throughout the service.” A Fellow of IHEEM for many years, Jim Barnes (he is pictured, left, with Past IHEEM President, John Bolton CBE, then director General of Works at the DHSS) was also a member of the IMechE and the Institute of Plant Engineers. His wife, Josie, died seven years ago, and he leaves his son, Andy, daughter Lynda, four grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. His funeral was held in Kent on 14 March.
