Hundreds of employees, volunteers, and retirees from the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance are being honoured in Chatham tonight.
Among them is registered nurse Toni McGowan, who is one of three people being recognized for 45 years of service at the hospital. She says one of the things that has kept her going is training students.
"I really feel strongly that they will eventually be taking care of me," says McGowan. "So if you don't teach them well or set a good example, the future wouldn't look very bright."
Looking back on her time at the hospital, McGowan also recognizes that a lot has changed since she started in 1970, from an increasing involvement with technology to the way the nurses dress on a daily basis.
"We've gone from wearing white uniforms and caps and white nylons and white shoes with no scratches or scuffs to colourful uniforms," says McGowan. "It's a little more patient-friendly, I guess."
Tonight's recognition banquet is being held at Club Lentinas in Chatham.
