It’s farewell after 51 years working at the Mater

Guard of honour pays tribute to retiring Mater Hospital ward clerk who started as a 15 year old

Marcia Begg is presented with a bouquet of flowers by Mater Mackay executive officer Elizabeth Thomas. Picture: Tony Martin

FLOWERS spilled from the room where colleagues gathered to wish Marcia Begg farewell after working her final shift as a Mater Hospital ward clerk.

Mrs Begg retired on Monday after 51 years of loyal service with the hospital.

“It all started back in 1967,” Mrs Begg said.

“I was 15 years of age … at St Patrick’s boarding (school).

“ … The sister came out and said there’s a job going at the Mater Hospital.

“She said, ‘You can start tomorrow Marci’.”

Mrs Begg has seen many changes during her tenure, including the hospital’s relocation 17 years ago from inner-city Gordon St to its present site.

“It was a big change … new numbers, everything was different,” she said.

“The day that we moved, the medical ward was full.

“We had people everywhere.”

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But one thing had remained constant, Mrs Begg said, and that was the patients being the favourite part of her role.

Marcia Begg is given a guard of honour as she leaves the Mater Hospital on her retirement. She was joined by her husband George, son Clinton and daughter Tania. Picture: Tony Martin

Mackay Mater Hospital executive officer Elizabeth Thomas said Mrs Begg had been the “lynch pin” of the hospital.

She said thousands who had worked alongside Mrs Begg had significantly benefited from her professional skills and personal qualities.

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And as Mrs Begg’s last hour as an employee drew to a close, staff presented her with cards and gifts, including one presented in a Baxter’s medical supplies box.

Inside was a plant potted in a steel “vomit bowl” – a testament to the days before bags.

Mrs Begg enjoyed the cheeky gift and asked her colleagues to continue to take care of one another.

“I’ve loved working with you all,” she said.

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