Like father, like son: Tommy and Fergus

This Father's Day, the father and son duo are celebrating a special bond that extends beyond home life and into the corridors of Bayside Health Alfred, where both play important roles supporting patients and staff.

Inspired in part by his son Fergus' experiences as a Clinical Pharmacist, Tommy joined The Alfred and Sandringham Hospital as a security guard in early 2025.

"I wanted to work more closely with people and help others," Tommy said.

"Seeing Fergus talk about his daily interactions with patients made me want to get involved too."

For Fergus, it's been rewarding to see his father find the same sense of purpose.

"Dad always loved hearing about the small impacts I could make with patients and their time in hospital, so it's been really nice to finally share that experience with him."

Although they work in very different roles, they regularly cross paths between the two hospitals.

"Neither of us expects to see the other," Fergus said.

"We'll turn a corner in the hospital and suddenly bump into each other. We just laugh about it every time."

Working at the same health service has also given them a greater appreciation for each other's contribution to patient care.

"Learning about hospital treatments and medications from Fergus has strengthened my understanding of patients' needs and helps me provide calm, respectful and supportive security services," Tommy said.

Fergus says his father has taught him just as much.

"Dad has helped me appreciate the importance of communication, staying calm under pressure and looking at what might be happening for the patient from a broader perspective."

Of course, sharing a workplace has also led to some friendly teasing.

"I feel sorry for Fergus," Tommy joked. "He's now known as 'Tommy's son', even though he started here way before me."

Fergus agrees the connection is hard to escape.

"Sometimes people will even know things about my personal life that not even my pharmacist colleagues know!"

This Father's Day, they're looking forward to spending time together with family, including Fergus's sister Sian, who also used to work at The Alfred in administration. 

Both children were even born at Sandringham Hospital.

"For me, Father's Day is about family, gratitude and appreciating the special bond we share," Tommy said.

For Fergus, the shared workplace has added another dimension to a relationship he has always valued.

"He's always been someone I can look up to, learn from and turn to for advice," he said.

"It's been really nice to see him in his work environment, and for him to see me in mine."