Joy for nurse Claire as she marks 40th anniversary in caring role

Joy for nurse Claire as she marks 40th anniversary in caring role

14 December 2022

AN Annahilt nurse is celebrating an amazing 40 years of caring for others.

Claire Mackin started her journey as a student nurse at Lagan Valley Hospital in 1982.

She stayed in Lagan Valley as an enrolled nurse, completing her conversion course to become a registered staff nurse in 1997. 

Claire worked as a senior staff nurse in various medical wards until 2005, when she joined the Tissue Viability Service.

She has been a well-respected and highly important part of their team ever since.

“It is a privilege to be a part of the tissue viability team,” Claire said.

“I can honestly say that I love being a nurse and I could not think of anything else that I would have wanted to do. 

“I would highly recommend a career in nursing. I am very proud that my daughter also works in the emergency department in the South Eastern Trust.

“Nursing has definitely changed over the years. We’ve had good times and a few bad times, but I always tell the students and junior staff to never lose sight of who you are and why you wanted to become a nurse. 

“Always keep your patient in the centre of everything you do and don’t be afraid to roll your sleeves up and get stuck in.”

Tissue viability nurse specialist Vivienne Murdoch has worked alongside Claire for the last 18 years.

“Claire is a valued member of the team and she is a true nurse,” Vivienne said.

“She is caring, kind and compassionate with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in many things, but especially within the tissue viability speciality.

“As her colleagues, we send our congratulations to Claire for 40 fabulous years as a nurse.”