Two Western Health nurses are celebrating 50 years of service at Footscray Hospital.
Beverly Howard, 78, and Olga Learoyd, 75, work in the theatre and anaesthetics department – and neither have any plans to retire.
Instead, they are looking forward to moving to the new Footscray Hospital in February next year.
Beverly started her nursing training and then career at Footscray in the mid ’60s. She then had two children, and returned to Footscray Hospital in 1975.
Olga started her training in 1970, then had a child, and started at Footscray Hospital in 1975.
They’ve worked together at Footscray Hospital ever since, and have become very close friends over that time.
Beverly, a scrub scout nurse, said she was amazed to have reached such a milestone.
“What keeps me here is the love of the job. I love being a scrub scout nurse, and I have done since I walked in here when I was 20,” she said.
“If you love what you do, do it. Age isn’t a consideration. It keeps your mind and body young.”
Olga, who works in anaesthetics and recovery said she planned to work for as long as her health allowed.
“I just love it. I’m passionate about being a nurse and I enjoy coming to work and doing the work. I love contributing to the community. That gives me a lot of motivation, and I’m very proud of it,” she said.
“My advice is to never give up working if you love it. If you’ve got health and enjoyment, continue for as long as you can.”
Western Health chief executive Professor Russell Harrison said the care and passion shown by Beverly and Olga was testament to their character and caring skills.
