Kate celebrates 'rewarding' 50 years in nursing

Kate celebrates 'rewarding' 50 years in nursing

17 July 2024

DOWNPATRICK nurse Kate Hamill is an amazing mum and an inspiration to others.

The 71 year-old is celebrating an incredible five decades of nursing at the Downe Hospital, with five of her daughters following their mum’s steps into healthcare.

A mum of 10, the septuagenarian works with one of her daughters — Nuala Mageean — who is a patient flow co-ordinator at the Downe two days a week.

In fact, inspired by their amazing and dedicated mum, four of Kate’s daughters now work with the South Eastern Trust.

Kate, who began her nursing career in 1970 before taking up a post in the Downe six years later, describes her five plus decades in the profession as “very rewarding.”

She said being a nurse means everything to her.

“It is great to come out in the morning to go to work in the Downe. It is such a lovely hospital to work in and everybody is just so friendly,” she said.

Kate’s dedication to nursing and to patients shines through, no more so than when during a heavy snowfall, she braved knee deep conditions to walk two and a half miles to get to work.

And, during the Covid pandemic, Kate, who is also well known in the area for her wonderful dress making talents, made personalised masks for face staff, their families, school children and even special masks for weddings.

Such said she is proud that five of her daughters are making a meaningful contribution working in the health service.

“I am proud of them all,” Kate continued.

Kate carries out her nursing duties two days per week in the Downe and as well as caring for her patients, she enjoys the camaraderie with her fellow nursing staff. 

“There has been a lot of changes since I first came to the hospital,” she said.

“There were no computers back then, but the personal care to the patients remains the same. I love my work, helping others and caring for patients is my whole world.That and my family. I am so glad I picked this career.”

Kate’s daughter, Nuala, explained how her mum’s choice of career had “definitely” influenced her.

She continued: “I started off my nursing career in the Royal Victoria Hospital and have been based in the Downe for five years now.

“Mummy has loved her nursing career. She has always loved coming to work and has made friends for life.”

Nuala said she is “immensely proud” of her mum and fellow staff member.

“Not only did mummy have 10 children, she looks after grandchildren on her days off and is known for her dress making skills around the country. She is amazing.”

Nuala added: “Mummy is always giving, nothing is a bother to her. The South Eastern Trust is such a lovely organisation to work in. 

“Mum and her friend decided at 16 that they would go into nursing and they are still friends to this day. Mum is our world and nursing is her world.”