The Tobacco Control Team wished their colleague, Kate McGhee, nurse specialist a happy and long retirement, as she leaves the team after twenty years.
Kate shared the story of her 42-year career with the NHS: “I started my nurse training at the Southern General as it was then now (Queen Elizabeth) in 1979. Being the closest hospital to Glasgow airport, this provided me with the opportunity to ‘get my wings’ (not flying a plane) but bringing patients back to the mainland from the Highlands and Islands for Hospital treatment which was great as I got to see lots of different places.
“I joined NHS Lanarkshire in 1982 to train as a midwife, before going back to general nursing a few years later where I worked night shift in Monklands and the Community in Shotts I was also Marie Curie Nurse of the year in 1999, which was an amazing privilege. From there, I joined the Stop Smoking Services in 2001, which wasn’t the service it is today, at that time there was no Stop Smoking Service service. My first task was to set up a service for the Wishaw Shotts area and I’ve been with the Tobacco Control Team ever since!
“I’ve worked in the NHS for 42 years, and I’ve really enjoyed working with my colleagues and patients, but I’m ready and excited for what retirement will bring!
“I have fond memories, having been with the team for twenty years, and my favourite memory I’ll look back on is working with the support groups for people quitting smoking. It was good fun and there was never a night I didn’t laugh, I still chuckle thinking of the couple declaring their motivation for quitting was to save up to get a divorce!
“I’ll be spending my retirement with my family, I’ve got five grandchildren and a big family, I’ll enjoy days spent with my husband (he might not) as he works part-time, and holidays with my sisters.
“All in all, I have had some desperately sad times in dealing with patients and their families but I have also laughed to my sides are sore at times and that’s what keeps your head above the water.”
Jackie MacDonald, Tobacco Control team leader, said: “Congratulations to Kate!
“Kate’s caring and down to earth personality was very much appreciated by her patients and clients. As a colleague Kate was supportive, always had a listening ear and was ready to give advice. Kate will be very much missed however we wish Kate the very best in a well-deserved retirement.”
