Rhona Weir has celebrated her retiral from her role as a Health Care Support Worker in the maternity ward at Ninewells Hospital after an incredible 47 years of service.
Rhona joined the NHS Tayside bank in May 1976, aged 18 and donned her pinny, hat and white shoes that were part of the uniform in those days.
Rhona then moved to theatre recovery and spent time primarily within the eye theatres as an auxiliary, working mainly night duty whilst her children were young.
For the last 25 years, Rhona has worked in the maternity department at Ninewells Hospital and is a favourite with both staff and patients. Rhona’s dedication to her patients was rewarded in 2019 when, out of hundreds of nominations, she was chosen as a finalist in the ‘Outstanding Individual’ category in NHS Tayside’s STAR Awards which recognise staff who consistently go the extra mile for their patients.
Rhona said, “I have to say the years have flown in and it doesn’t seem any time at all that I started working for the NHS aged 18 and here I am today retiring after 47 years of working.
“My mother had a saying that as long as you could cheer someone up, make them smile and laugh, then you have done a good job. I hope that over the years I have been able to cheer up the patients I helped looked after and also colleagues.
“I will miss my colleagues for sure, but I have many happy memories of working at NHS Tayside to look back on. If someone asked me to pick three words to sum up working for NHS Tayside, they would be ‘best ever experience’.”
Rhona has already got plans for her retirement and is heading off ‘Down Under’ to see her sons James and Cameron in Australia. She will also spend more time with dad Andy who is aged 91, who was at the celebration event and her three grandchildren as well as getting out and about more with her dogs.
Senior Charge Midwife, Elaine Burgess said, “Rhona is always singing and ensuring that the women and families that she is caring for are well looked after. She is renowned for her hot chocolate with cream at supper time for the women, and I can assure you they do miss it when she is off shift!
“We will all miss Rhona but wish her well in her retirement.”
NHS Tayside Chief Executive, Professor Grant Archibald joined the farewell celebration, paying tribute to Rhona saying, “From your time in theatres to your last decades in the maternity department, you have been a fantastic colleague to many and a real asset to NHS Tayside. You will be greatly missed.
“As one of our longest serving members of staff, it is a pleasure for me to join you, your colleagues and family today. I wish you and your family all best wishes in your retirement and, on behalf of the Board of NHS Tayside, thank you.”