A BED manager and former nurse at Inverclyde Royal Hospital is hanging up her uniform for the final time as she prepares to retire with more than 42 years of service to the NHS.
Mary Armour, who turns 70 this year, started working at IRH as a domestic in 1983.
She became an auxiliary nurse in the late 1980s, and went on to do an open learning course through the former James Watt College which led to her becoming a qualified staff nurse working in the orthopaedic ward.
Mary took on the post of bed manager 16 years ago, working to ensure patients have a safe journey through hospital, from the front door to their discharge, making sure they are being treated in the most appropriate place.
The gran of five, from Gourock, also took on additional responsibilities out of hours on weekends and overnight to safeguard the site itself.
Last week, Mary’s colleagues organised a celebratory tea with flowers, gifts and balloons to wish her the best for her retirement.
She told how working closely with patients and her colleagues at IRH has been the highlight of her career, but said she is now looking forward to spending more time with family and travelling with friends.
Mary said: “I’ve always loved working with patients and their relatives, and all the staff at Inverclyde are fantastic. We’re a real team.
“I previously worked as a nurse but decided to take on the bed manager position when I started to get a bit older. To be retiring feels a bit strange after spending such a long time here.
“I’ve got five grandchildren so I’ll soon have more time to spend with them, which will keep me very busy. My friends and I also enjoy booking holidays and weekends away so I’m looking forward to doing that more.”
Mary added: “The retirement tea was lovely. It’s so nice to be acknowledged. IRH has allowed me to do a lot of different things which has always kept the job interesting.”
Melanie McColgan, director of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Clyde sector, said: “Mary has held a number of important roles at IRH throughout her career.
“She will be missed by all her colleagues and I’m sure by many patients who will have gotten to know her over the years.
“We are so grateful for the hard work and dedication Mary has shown and wish her all the best for her retirement.”
