After postponing her retirement to work through the coronavirus pandemic, Pauline Morgan, a senior sister at the RVI has retired after a career spanning almost 40 years. Pauline who started her training at the QE Hospital in Gateshead in 1981 joined the Trust in 1990.
After a part time role on the old diabetes ward in Leazes Wing, Pauline joined the team on ward 48 as a staff nurse in 1995, now a senior sister she’s been there ever since.
During her time at the Newcastle Hospitals Pauline has become one of the most well-known and respected leaders in the Trust and as well as being chosen to be part of a consultation by the Shelford Group to identify what makes a ‘Great Ward Sister’ Pauline also won a prestigious Cavell Star Award in recognition of her outstanding work within the Trust.
Retirement postponed to work through the pandemic
The RVI’s ward 48 is a gastroenterology ward but most recently became one of the Trust’s dedicated COVID-19 wards and Pauline made the decision to postpone her retirement to continue to work during the pandemic. Although it was a challenging time Pauline has been able to take positives from the experience.
“We weren’t a COVID-19 ward for as long as some of the other wards but I think that time really brought us together, consultant, housekeeper, ward clerk,” explains Pauline. “It cut through the levels of the team and we were all just working together to get through.
“It was a frightening time, it’s all so unknown and although we had some really sad times I’m extremely proud of the work that we did. We clapped each of our patients out as they left the ward and although they way we did things was different to the way we were used to, wearing PPE for example, we were all just so proud to care for those patients.”
‘People at our Heart Award’
In a fitting coincidence, on Pauline’s last day on the ward the team will be presented with a ‘People at our Heart Award‘ – a staff and volunteer recognition scheme that enables patients, relatives, colleagues and the public, to express their gratitude and provide recognition for the outstanding efforts of our staff and volunteers.
It also helps the Trust to identify and celebrate those amongst our people who ‘make us proud’ and best represent the Trust Values.
While the rest of the staff begin their relocation to another part of the hospital and a name change to ward 30 Pauline is looking forward to a little more time to herself: “I’m looking forward to retiring; I don’t usually have enough hours in the day so I’m looking forward to having some me time and looking after my grandchildren.
“I’ve loved working on ward 48 and I’m going to miss coming into work. We have such a great team here but I really feel like I’ve made a difference to my patients and the people I work with. It’s not all been plain sailing but I don’t regret one minute of my time here.”
