Night shift radiographer thanked for 51 years

Not only has she helped patients with x-rays and imaging needs for over 51 years – she’s done it all on night shift.

“It was the people that kept me around, especially in the early days everyone in the hospital knew each other, it was like a family and I still have friends - doctors and nurses - from back then,” said Wendy.

Wendy says it’s the special relationships she’s built with patients over the years that will remain with her forever, and developing trust was the key.

“There’s one patient who is deaf and when he sees that it’s me who will x-ray him you can see in his face, the smile, he knows it’s going to be okay, he knows what I need him to do.”

The pressure of working night shift didn’t bother Wendy, who learned how to manage it while keeping up with the latest equipment.

“Technology was very different when I started – for general x-rays we used film, now it’s digital, there was no CT, no MRI and no Ultrasound.”

Chief radiographer Gillian Tickall says Wendy was able to manage her circadian rhythm well, working four busy nights a week, fitting in post-graduate study and travelling to professional conferences nationally and internationally.

“Wendy’s stamina has always amazed me, and it can only be achieved if you wanted to be here.

"She was part of a team of individuals who were doing everything they could to make better what can be the worst day of someone’s life,” said Gillian.

Staff will miss you, Wendy, and we wish you well and happiness during your retirement.