The ‘font of all knowledge’ Eileen retires after 46 years

The ‘font of all knowledge’ Eileen retires after 46 years

2 April 2025

ONE of the Downshire Hospital’s longest serving administrative staff has retired — after almost 46 years’ service.

Mental health clerical officer Eileen Walsh has said farewell to colleagues as she moves into retirement after a long and distinguished working career.

She dedicated her four decades to working solely in the busy medical records department within mental health services at the Downpatrick hospital site.

The South Eastern Trust’s mental health records and information manager and close colleague Nicola Maybin said Eileen had “supported us all through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows”.

She continued: “Eileen has given her time, wisdom, encouragement, wise counsel and limitless knowledge to the service over the years.

“After almost 46 years of service, within the same department, it is very difficult to quantify the impact that one single person could have.”

Nicola said Eileen has worked with many managers and staff alike, through births, deaths, marriages and everything in between.

She also paid a heartfelt tribute to Eileen’s work ethic, attention to detail, professionalism, common sense, approach and trustworthiness, describing them as “characteristics we can all learn from and aspire to”.

Nicola added: “Eileen was the ‘font of all knowledge’ for all things relating to medical records and the Mental Health Order, something that is and will be greatly missed and can never be replaced. “Over the years, wonderful stories and amazing memories have been made that will last a lifetime. Eileen was truly one in a million and we wish her all the health, happiness, rest, relaxation and blessings possible for her retirement.”