EGHS staff clock up long service

East Grampians Health Service staff were awarded for long service at the Annual General Meeting last year.

Staff were awarded for years of service ranging from 10 years up to an impressive 45 years by Vaccination Clinic Manager Sue McAdie, followed closely by 40 years’ service by Nurse Robyn Oliver and Compliance Coordinator Dayle Smith and 35 years’ service by 70 Lowe Street catering assistant Alison Pennycad and Associate Nurse Unit Manager Alison Woods.

Longest serving recipient Sue McAdie followed her mother’s footsteps into nursing and trained at Ballarat Base Hospital, moving to Ararat and District Hospital in 1978, also spending time working at the Fairfield Infectious Diseases Hospital to undertake the post graduate course in communicable disease.

Over the years Ms McAdie worked in all areas of the hospital except midwifery, and she became the Unit Manager of first floor for three years, following which she spent six months working in emergency at Wodonga Hospital.

On her return, Ms McAdie became a nursing supervisor and worked in Urgent Care for 21 years.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic Ms McAdie managed the Vaccination Clinic and was the navigator for this region for COVID-19 monitoring.

“Over the years the changes have been amazing,” Ms McAdie said.

“It has been wonderful to see a small country hospital develop into such a well-respected and progressive health service. I am grateful and proud to be a part of it.”

Other awards included: 25 years – Ann Alexander, Tanya Haslett, Phillip Ralph, Helen Roche; 20 years – Tacey O’Brien; 15 years – Carla Baker, Nelfe Blackie, Julie Chick, Keryn Leggett, Terri-Anne Lewis, Eva McCarron, Mario Santilli, Jo Summers, Teresa Townsend, Allyson Wallace; 10 years – Susan Bond, Jennifer Cole, Tracey Drake, Amy Ferguson, Sahra Gready, Jennifer Pedersen, Lisa Roche, Jessica Seres, Jessica Taylor.

“Congratulations to all staff who have achieved these long service awards,” EGHS Board Chair Ken Weldin said.