A radiographer who has been working at the University Hospital of North Tees for an enormous 50 years is saying her farewell as she retires from the Trust.
Senior radiographer Kathy McIntosh started working at North Tees General Hospital – as it was known at the time – in 1971 as a newly-qualified general radiographer.
Since then she has taken on several roles in the Trust in CT, Dexa, theatre and orthopaedics and has seen many changes across the industry and area as technology evolved and the hospital and Trust both grew in size.
Kathy commented: “It’s been incredible to see all the changes over the years. Everything used to take so long to do, now it’s all instant!
“But mostly I love all the people I’ve met and all the friendships I’ve made. I’ll really miss everybody.”
As she retires, Kathy is looking forward to a well-earned summer off. Once lockdown rules begin to relax she is planning on spending more time with her family. And now she is ready for the challenge of babysitting her three grandchildren, including seven-month-old Rosie.
Kathy’s colleagues said an emotional farewell to her as they threw a party in her honour. She received a cake, flowers, balloons, cards and plenty of presents, including her uniform beautifully framed to remind her of her time as a radiographer.
She even received a card from her old manager from more than 40-years-ago, a testament to her commitment to her career and friendships.
Her colleagues gathered to give goodbye speeches, read poetry and share their wonderful memories of their time with Kathy.
Certainly not goodbye
Gail Griffiths is the operations manager in radiology and gave an emotional farewell to Kathy. She said: “Kathy has had a fantastic career. She has always been a source of experience and support and has been a mother figure to all the staff.
“Kathy, I want to thank you for all your commitment to the department, for your professionalism and for your friendship. You have been a teacher to everybody who has come through the department and you will be enormously missed.
“It’s certainly not goodbye. But it is well done, congratulations and thank you for all your hard work.”
