After 25 years’ service to NHS Lanarkshire’s speech and language therapy (SLT) department, Hazel Walsh has retired. Hazel worked as a senior health care support worker and was based at Motherwell health centre.
Hazel’s career began at Roadmeetings Hospital in April 1995 when she was one of 12 colleagues who developed the new role of speech and language therapy health care support worker. She has worked as part of the nursery and school peripatetic team, in specialist school provisions, as part of the Salvica control clinic team and in community clinics.
Hazel has been an invaluable member of the team due to her dedication and willingness to adapt to the many changes and challenges within the service. She plans to spend her retirement with her husband Robert, two daughters and five grandchildren. Her wish is to continue with her ballroom dancing, travelling and keeping busy with her children and grandchildren.
Molly Gibb, SLT clinic co-ordinator in Motherwell, said: “Hazel’s commitment to supporting children and young people with speech, language and communication difficulties has always been most admirable. She has been a colleague upon whom everyone can rely and has been a source of knowledge, kindness and friendship to the many families and staff members who have come through the department over the years. She will be greatly missed and we know she’ll have lots of adventures in the years to come.”
