FRIDAY, 9 January marked the end of an era when long-term Stanthorpe Hospital director of nursing (DON) Lesley Shannon called it a day.
Ms Shannon is taking a period of leave before officially retiring from the hospital later in the year.
Her career at Stanthorpe Hospital started with a year’s work in 1975-’76.
In 1983, she returned as a registered nurse then performed a variety of roles including a stint with Child Health, travelling across the Southern Downs.
By 1984, Ms Shannon had reached the position of nurse educator. In 1991, she took up the role of Nurse Unit manager before becoming the relieving DON in 1993.
She has been in her current role as permanent DON since August 1994.
“I am very passionate about rural nursing and midwifery and have been fortunate to have worked with some fabulous people,” Ms Shannon said.
“There have been a lot of highlights over the years, but notably, I think we’ve developed good recruitment systems which has given us a very stable workforce in nursing and midwifery, community health and medicine.
“The opening of the new birthing suites last month, was also a highlight and a wonderful
process to be involved in.”
After a long and distinguished career, Ms Shannon is looking forward to having some ‘R&R’ and being able to spend quality time with family members in Brisbane.
