45 years at the camera
Rosemary Davidson has left behind the x-ray equipment, and the patients, after retiring from Dr Gray's Hospital in Elgin after spending 45 years in the same job.
A MORAY hospital’s longest-serving member of staff, who spent a remarkable 45 years in one job, has said she enjoyed the “happiest career ever” and never had an ounce of desire to do anything else.
Rosemary Davidson (64), who spent her last day working in the x-ray department at Dr Gray’s on Wednesday this week, is now looking forward to a well-earned retirement after more than four decades at the Elgin hospital.
Mrs Davidson, of Station Road in Burghead, completed her training at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary before securing her job at Dr Gray’s in 1966.
“The post was available, and that has been me ever since,” she told ‘The Northern Scot’ this week.
“I have had the happiest career ever. I just loved working at Dr Gray’s.
“I absolutely loved working with all the patients – I am going to miss the patients so much.
“And the girls and men in the x-ray department, I am going to miss them as well. We have had a great time together. We have supported each other through various ups and downs.
“I never wanted to go down the line of management. I was told that we need folk like you, just happy to be with the patients. It was really hands on, and that’s what I really enjoyed.”
Mrs Davidson, who says she has “seen it all” in her 45 year career, said that there were just three radiographers when she joined the team in the ‘60s – there are now 20.
“When it started the department was very different. It was just ancient compared to what it is today,” she said.
Mrs Davidson said that when she began, technicians had to process film after an x-ray. With everything digital nowadays, she said the results are almost instantaneous.
“The x-ray equipment is very up to date. When the newest equipment came in recently, that was when I knew I had to retire!”
An emotional Mrs Davidson received a presentation from staff on Wednesday, before they sang a version of the song “My Favourite Things” with different lyrics recounting her time on the job. She was due to go for a meal tonight (Friday), at the Sunninghill Hotel in Elgin, with more than 80 colleagues.
Mrs Davidson said she is now hoping to spend more time with her four grandchildren.
She is especially looking forward to husband, Billy, retiring at the end of the year. The couple already have two holidays planned.
Even so, she admitted it has been hard to say goodbye to both her colleagues and her workplace.
“I have just absolutely loved it,” she said. “I have just had such a happy, happy time.”