Dr Latt with his balloons
A well-loved Fylde coast doctor has celebrated a milestone anniversary in delivering hospital care.
Dr Maung Maung Latt has worked at Clifton Hospital, St Annes, for 25 years and the staff held a party to celebrate.
He said: “The staff had to keep the party a secret because I don’t like a fuss, but I was shocked and also delighted that they had taken the time to celebrate my anniversary.”
Dr Latt, originally from Bhurma, qualified as a doctor in 1982 from the University of Mandalay in Myanmar. From there he came to London for post graduate studies with the Royal College of Physicians.
He said: “I worked around the country as a young doctor and was inspired by Dr Peter Overstall who was an amazing geriatrician. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to work in the care of the older person.”
Dr Latt enjoys the different elements in elderly care and believes that lots of factors come together to care for his patients – medicine, social interaction and friendship.
“All my patients are replacements for my late mum and dad, so that is why I care for them in the way that I do,” he said.
Following a holiday in Blackpool in the early 1990s, Dr Latt was soon inspired by the area and the work of the doctors of the day – including the current Medical Director for Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Prof Mark O’Donnell. He decided to join the team at Clifton and the rest is history.
He added: “I thoroughly enjoy my job here and have for 25 years – I get paid to enjoy myself.
“I came here wanting to treat patients using only medicine, but the fantastic staff here over the years have taught me how to treat patients also using care, compassion and humility.”