Tamworth midwives and nurse accrue 90 years of service

12 November 2007

Two midwives and an enrolled nurse have each worked at Ward 9 in Tamworth Hospital’s Maternity Unit for three decades.

Midwives Robyn Procter and Elaine McCulloch and Enrolled Nurse Sue Sauer could be considered the lifeblood of Ward 9 at Tamworth Hospital as they remember the opening day of the Maternity Unit in October 1977 and now celebrate its 30th anniversary.

Nurse Unit Manager Maureen Dawson said the contribution of the three women has been felt by hundreds of members of the community who are greatly in debt to their service.

“In the last financial year this unit delivered 975 babies, that gives you some idea of how many lives have been affected by the work of these three women over the last 30 years,” Ms Dawson said.

“They were here on the day the doors opened to the community and their commitment has not waned at the 30th anniversary.”
Ms McCulloch said that over the 30 years her passion for the job had not faded.

“I still enjoy working here and I still take pleasure in it the same way I did when I started. I have specialised in neo-natal care so I spend my time with new babies, that is a great incentive to me,” Ms McCulloch.

All three women have taken very few opportunities to leave the hospital and Enrolled Nurse Sue Sauer said the end of her tenure is not necessarily near either.

“The only time I ever really left was when I had each of my three children, apart from that I never really felt the need,” Ms Sauer said.

“No I don’t think I’ll leave any time soon, sometimes I think I’ll be here forever.”

A thankyou dinner was recently attended by all members of the unit, who paid their respects to the three women.

Continuing the loyalty of service to Tamworth Hospital Kristen Riley - the first child to be born at the unit - now works for the catering service at Tamworth Hospital.

Contact: Nick Hansen

Phone: 49855522