A nurse thought to be the oldest in Glasgow has dedicated more than 40 years of her life to looking after patients.
While at the age of 78, many of us may expect to be long retired and spending quality time with our loved ones, Isabel McCall says she has no plans to stop her nursing role at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary any time soon.
Isabel, from Dennistoun, works as a Health Care Support Worker on Ward 5, looking after patients with diabetes and says she loves her job too much to consider giving it up.
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She said: “I just love coming to my work. I love working with patients, helping them and seeing them get better and I love the Royal and I’ve been lucky to work with really good staff and ward sisters.
“One of the main aspects of my job I really enjoy is developing friendships with patients who are with us for long stays.”
Isabel started her career as a housekeeper in theatres, before moving on to the wards. At 58, she did give retirement a try, but added: “I was out for a year and couldn’t handle it and came back. I thought to myself, as long as I’m fit enough, I want to work.”
During the pandemic – and following covid guidance – Isabel was forced to shield at home, because of her age. She says she was constantly in touch with the ward team, desperate to get back.
Louise Sawdon, Senior Charge Nurse on Ward 5, paid tribute to Isabel. She said: “Isabel is such a hard worker. Times have been tough over the last couple of years, but she always comes in, works really hard and is great with the patients and always make sure they are very well cared for – and she does it all with a huge smile on her face."
Louise added that Isabel is a friend to a lot of people, a confidante and mentor, with ‘great life experience’ who often takes new staff under her wing.
She added: “Across the wards, COVID has made our bond stronger and we have had to support each other, and learn to communicate with each other better and Isabel has been a big part of that. Her work is her passion and a true vocation.”
Patricia Myers, Deputy Chief Nurse at the GRI, added: “Isabel is a huge character and is one of those who was born to a caring role. She still brings huge compassion to the role and I hope there are many more years to come.
“Isabel is loved in the staff room and is something of an entertainer, but the patients and their families are her main focus and we are so fortunate to have her as part of the GRI team.”
Isabel, who has two children and three grandchildren, says the secret of her youthful looks is a daily application of Astral cream and that she has no plans to retire any time soon.
She said: “As long as you’re fit to work, keep going. Your body will tell you when it can’t do it anymore, but right now, I feel great and I love it.”
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