Heartbeat: Wave goodbye to… Luis and Elzbieta Zulueta
March 31, 2022
After a combined 70 years at the Trust, husband and wife of 24 years, Luis and Elzbieta Zulueta will be retiring from SWB together.
Dr Luis Zulueta first joined SWB in June 1990 as an Anaesthetic SHO.
“I initially stayed at SWB for three years until 1993 but then after a couple of years returned to the Trust in 1995 as a clinical assistant,” said Luis.
Luis has worked his way through the ranks during his three decade career going from SHO, registrar, clinical assistant and staff grade to eventually becoming an associate specialist in anaesthetics.
“Time goes very fast when you like what you do which is why I stayed at SWB to progress my career. I have always kept in mind that patient care is the most important factor when treating anyone which is why I have enjoyed my time at the Trust.”
In addition to this, he also expanded into teaching and since 2003 is still teaching anaesthetics to 4th year medical students. Last year he became the lead for teaching this group of students.
Luis Zulueta’s wife, known to her peers as Liz, first joined us back in September of 1980 where she was training to become a registered nurse at our nurse’s training school.
“Things were a lot different then. For starters, what now is known as the medical education centre and library, back in the 80s was the nurse’s training school,” said Liz.
“In 1984 I worked for around five months at Health Lane Hospital on the chest ward before spending the next 20 years working in theatres as theatre sister covering all specialities from anaesthetics and recovery to general surgery and colorectal/vascular as well as training students and new members of staff.”
During those 20 years, Liz gained an array of qualifications including diplomas in therapeutic massage, anatomy and physiology in massage, holistic massage and Otological nursing. In 2004, she completed an MSc in advanced nursing practice at Birmingham City University and also trained as a non-medical prescriber. She also trained at Greenwich University for her current role as a surgical care practitioner.
Through working in colorectal and general surgery she has performed minor surgery (lumps and bumps) and consults patients in the rectal clinics in out-patients and arranges investigations and treatment. In addition to this she has also taught many medical students and junior doctors on how to scrub, don and doff theatre gowns and gloves as well as how to suture. She taught nurses to examine abdomens (as part of their advanced training).
“I’ve seen a lot of changes throughout my career such as new developments in surgery, advances in technology but the thing that hasn’t changed is the care that the staff give to patients and each other. It is still of a high standard which became more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. I’ve made a lot of friends throughout my career, some of which have retired, some of which have sadly died but I’ve got such wonderful memories I will be taking with me and I feel proud to have been part of a great Trust.”
When asked about challenges she has faced Liz said: “I was one of a group of 11 nurses from Sandwell and City hospital to train for the surgical care practitioner role I do now. This role was new to the country and overstepped the boundaries of nursing practice into the medical field.”
She added: “If I was to give anyone any advice who wants to follow a similar career path to mine it would be to be inquisitive, enjoy what you do and always be ready to help. Also, if you have a passion, follow it.”
Luis and Liz first met at Sandwell Hospital theatres where sometimes they would work together but got to know each other outside of work during theatre nights out. Eventually they got married in May, 1997. Their two daughters were born at Sandwell Hospital and now they will both be retiring together.
As part of their retirement, Luis and Liz are planning on spending more time with their children as well as going on many holidays across Great Britain and Europe.
Happy retirement Mr and Mrs Zulueta!