AN inspirational local woman is still caring for patients over half a century after embarking on her incredible career in nursing.
Seventy-one-year-old Kate Hamill, from Downpatrick, adds that she loves helping others.
The mother-of-ten now works with one of her daughters, patient flow co-ordinator Nuala Mageean, two days per week.
In fact, inspired by their dedicated mum, five of her daughters now all work in health and social care, four them in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.
Kate says she is proud of each and every one of them.
Kate began her nursing career in 1970 before taking up a post in the Downe Hospital in 1976.
She describes her five-plus decades in the profession as “very rewarding”.
“Being a nurse means everything to me,” she added.
“It is great to come out in the morning to go to work in the Downe.
“The Downe is such a lovely hospital to work in and everybody is just so friendly.”
Kate’s dedication to nursing and to patients shines through, no more so than when during a heavy snowfall, she braved the conditions, ‘knee deep in snow’, to walk the two-and-a-half-mile journey to get to the hospital.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Kate, who is also well known in the area for her wonderful dress making talents, made personalised masks for staff, their families, school children and special masks for weddings!
Such is Kate’s passion for nursing, five of her children have followed in her footsteps and all work in the healthcare profession.
“I am proud of them all,” said Kate.
She 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.
“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 “definitely influenced me”.
“I started off my nursing career in the Royal Victoria Hospital and have been based in the Downe for five years now,” Nuala added.
“Mummy has loved her nursing career, she has always loved coming to work and has made friends for life.”
Nuala added how “immensely proud” she is of her mum and fellow staff member.
“Not only did mummy have ten children, she looks after grandchildren on her days off and is known for her dress making skills around the country, she is amazing.”
Nuala continued: “Mummy is always giving, nothing is a bother to her.
“The South Eastern Trust is such a lovely Trust 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.”
