Hospital cook to end 47-year career with Ayr and Home Hill health services

A beloved NQ cook within the health industry who has provided exceptional service for more than four decades will hang up her apron for the final time this week. Read what she plans to do next.

Rhonda McBow celebrated almost 47-years with Ayr and Home Hill health services last week at her retirement party.

Beloved Ayr and Home Hill health services cook Rhonda McBow will be clocking in for the final time on Thursday, ending an almost 47-year career.

Mrs McBow’s career with the health services began in 1977, after she was offered a cleaning job at the Home Hill Hospital in 1977.

Ayr Health Service director of nursing Tracey Gabiola said Mrs McBow has made a lasting impact on the staff and patients of Ayr and Home Hill health services.

“We have been very fortunate to have her as a cook for many years and patients, staff and families have been enjoying her five-star catering during her time here,” Ms Gabiola said.

Mrs McBow said she was privileged to witness some major milestones with Home Hill Health Service.

“Over the next 19 years I saw the development of the new 15 bed hospital, which we moved into in 1993,” Mrs McBow said.

In 1997, the beloved cook transferred to the Ayr Hospital as a kitchen hand, a job she said kept her busy but she enjoyed every minute.

“In 2004, the new 28-bed hospital was built, with a brand-new kitchen with all the modern equipment,” Mrs McBow said.

A retirement party was held for Mrs McBow last week, and she will work her last shift on Thursday.

Mrs McBow said her retirement plans feature caravanning and trips to the Sunshine Coast to visit her grandchildren.

Originally published as Hospital cook to end 47-year career with Ayr and Home Hill health services