BOPDHB Checkup December 2016 | Page 16

Night Nurse retires after 30 plus years By Tauranga Hospital Co-ordinator, Julie Williams. This month we farewell Maryann McCormick who’s worked at Tauranga Hospital on many wards on night shift for 35 years. Maryann started in the early 80s, a few years later she was approached to be what was then called a ‘Night Supervisor’. Back then, capable staff were shoulder tapped for critical positions like this and they weren’t always advertised. Maryann’s been in this position now known as Duty Nurse Manager for 27 years. Manyann’s job demands a high degree of problem solving and advanced communication skills. Her wisdom and experience has been greatly valued. As has her clinical expertise, vast experience, willingness and ability to support, teach and guide both Nurses and Doctors in whatever they ask. The staff she works with often tell me how pleased they are to see her when things are difficult as she brings calmness to the Maryann celebrating her retirement. situation and always helps without being asked. Maryann will be missed by many in the organisation. We wish her all the best in a very well earned retirement. Farewell dinner for Dave Sales By Ecumenical Chaplain, Shelley Gilmore. Recently the Tauranga Hospital Chaplaincy team hosted a farewell dinner for Dave Sales, our much loved and respected Locum Chaplain and Volunteer Chaplaincy Assistant. Dave has served in the team at Tauranga Hospital for more than eight years, after 18 months as chaplain at Waipuna Hospice. To everything there is a season, and Dave had judged that the time had come to retire from this part of his extensive ministry career. 16 Every Friday Dave has visited the oncology and renal wards, giving spiritual and emotional support to patients. , He has given and gained friendship and respect and is highly regarded by patients and staff. Dave received a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease early in his time here, but regardless has continued to encourage, inspire and bring comfort to many. He’s brought tremendous skills and wisdom to work with him, no doubt enhanced by his rich experience as an art teacher and pastor. We will miss his upbeat attitude, positive demeanour and profound insight. Dave is a man of many talents; a true gentleman with a heart of gold. We wish him all the best in his retirement.