Brosna native Peg retires after 15 years as matron in Kanturk
IT was an emotional occasion at Kanturk Community Hospital last Friday when colleagues and friends bade farewell to Peg Fitzgerald who has been Matron for the past 15 years. Peg, who is a native of Brosna, previously worked for 25 years at St. Ita’s in Newcastlewest.
Clinical Nurse Manager 2 Joan Collins, who will temporarily take up the post of Director of Nursing, said that Kanturk Hospital has greatly benefited from Peg’s leadership and guidance, and that she has implemented many improvements during her time at the helm. “While this is a joyous time for Peg, it is a sad occasion for the staff and residents here, she has been wonderful to work with, and I wish her a long, happy and healthy retirement” Joan said.
Canon Jackie Corkery added his good wishes. “We’re all very proud of what you have achieved here, we’re feeling sad at your departure but wish you the very best” he said. Richard Buckley (Acting Manager of Cork Community Hospitals) said that he always found Peg to be a kind and caring person, as well as professional to deal with. “We’ve all benefited from her wisdom” he added.
In reply, Peg said that she has very happy memories of her 15 years at Kanturk Hospital. “I’m delighted that the care of the elderly has improved so much over the years, and I’m extremely proud of the wonderful reputation Kanturk Hospital has” she said, “our staff always take great pride in their work and hopefully there will be a new building in the not too distant future” she added.
Mary Kelleher (Mallow Hospital Discharge Co-ordinator), Breda O’ Sullivan (North Cork Placement Co-ordinator), Nuala Boyd (Director of Nursing at Teach Altra Nursing Home, Newmarket), and Nora Naughton (Director of Nursing at Araglen House Nursing Home, Boherbue) also dropped in to wish Peg well on her retirement.
While she is taking a well deserved break for a while, Peg intends to do some work with the Irish Cancer Society going forward.