Monica marks 50 years of service in local health care

Colleagues in the Treatment Room at Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex presented a gift to staff nurse Monica Service from Omagh, to celebrate and acknowledge her 50 years of service to the NHS.

Monica started her nursing career as a student nurse in the Belfast City Hospital on January 17, 1974 and has worked in various hospitals and departments across the region.

She completed a conversion course in 1996 and commenced employment in the Western Trust from 1998.

Monica worked in the Tyrone County Hospital, Omagh from 2000, became ward manager in Altnagelvin Hospital, before eventually being transferring to the Treatment Room at Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex in June 2017.

Monica retired for a short period in 2015 before bank nursing in several areas throughout the Western Trust.

Paying tribute to her long-term service over the past five decades, Monica’s colleagues said, “Her knowledge, skills and wisdom, gained from her 50 years’ experience is second to none. She is an excellent mentor who has great time and patience for our newly trained staff nurses. We are very lucky to have Monica in our Treatment Room. She is a most special lady and friend and is an integral part of the Treatment Room family over the past eight years.”

Speaking about her dedication to the nursing profession, Monica said, “It is a tough job but a very rewarding and satisfying career which I would not change for anything. It is a privilege to work in the health service and I have made many wonderful friends along the way. I am very proud to be a Treatment Room Nurse as part of an incredible team providing the best care and treatment for our patients in Omagh and the surrounding areas.

“Thank you to all my family and colleagues who have and continue to support me throughout my career. I would encourage anyone who is thinking about a career in nursing to follow your dreams and I hope to continue to mentor and support new recruits into this wonderful profession.”

Monica’s colleagues concluded by thanking her for her dedication and commitment to nursing and wished her continued good health and happiness in the future.

“You are a true trust hero,” they finished.