Heartbeat: Wave goodbye to… Ava Harris, Kim Walker and Michele Tucker
May 18, 2022
With almost a century dedicated to the Trust – farewell to Ava, Kim and Michele.
In April’s Heartbeat we waved goodbye to Ava Harris, Kim Walker and Michele Tucker, Health Care Assistants (HCAs) at the Birmingham Treatment Centre (BTC), as they spent their last days in outpatients before heading off for retirement. Leaving behind them just under a century’s’ worth of experience combined, these ladies leave the outpatients department for some well-deserved rest. We caught up with them to find out more about their time at the Trust.
Ava’s journey began 42 years ago in 1979 when she joined at the skin hospital as a catering assistant. She then moved to the eye hospital in the city centre as a catering assistant and then came back to City Hospital as a HCA in outpatients. For Michele and Kim, they joined the Trust 26 years ago in 1995. Michele started working at Rowley Regis OPD and then moved to Sandwell and finally over to the BTC.
Both the people and the role have meant these ladies have thoroughly enjoyed their time working at our Trust. Michele said: “I have loved my job working with many different people and doing a variety of clinics. I have made many good friends over the years.” Kim added: “I have seen many changes and met a lot of lovely people during my time here.”
Although they have had some great times here at the Trust and have met some wonderful people, it hasn’t been without its challenges. “For me, my biggest challenge was definitely the pandemic, it gave me severe anxiety,” said Michele. “The pandemic was a huge challenge for me too, especially going to work on the wards which is very different to what I do in outpatients,” echoed Kim. “But going with a great group of girls from OPD really helped as we all support each other,” she continued.
We asked what they would have done if their career path hadn’t led them to SWB. For Ava that would be working as a nursery nurse or another role in the care sector, and for Michele it would have been working with children or animals. Commended for their passion and dedication to their roles at the Trust, Sister Jaz Verdi shared some kind words about Ava’s, Kim’s and Michele’s time in outpatients, she said: “We say a fond farewell to three of our highly thought of HCAs. They have shown dedication and commitment throughout their time working for the Trust and in outpatients. They have worked tirelessly and professionally caring for patients, their knowledge, expertise and presence will be sorely missed. We wish them all the very best for their retirement and the future ahead.”
The ladies didn’t part without leaving some great advice. Ava said: “Study and learn as much as you can and never be afraid to try new things. Michele added: “Some advice for my younger self would be to be more assertive and not be afraid to take on more challenges”.
Their plans for retirement sound idyllic with Kim spending more time with her husband and grandchildren and going on lots of holidays, Michele plans to enjoy time with friends, start some new hobbies and look after her new grandson. For Ava, she can be found getting green fingers in the garden or traveling to see much more family now that COVID restrictions have been lifted.
We wish these ladies all the best and a happy retirement!