“I’ve loved my nursing career in the Trust, especially my time in Dementia Care.” These are the words of Downe Hospital`s Dementia, Assessment and Treatment Unit Staff Nurse Cecilia McShane who was joined by colleagues and friends as they celebrated her incredible 43 years providing compassionate nursing care in the Downe Hospital.
With her vocation in nursing beginning in 1982, Cecilia secured her first nursing post in London before returning to Northern Ireland and the Downe Hospital in 1986.
Cecilia explained how her, “Uncle Jim was diagnosed with Dementia a number of years ago.” “This was a turning point in my nursing career and when I decided to work within Dementia Services.”
South Eastern Trust’s Service Improvement Lead in Dementia Care Fiona Rooney poignantly described Cecilia as the, “Epitome of what a Nurse should be. Cecilia is just amazing and will be sadly missed by all her colleagues, friends and patients in Mental Health Services for Older People and the Downe Hospital.”
Cecilia described how she has enjoyed her Nursing career within the Trust “Especially the latter years working in Dementia Care.”
As part of her well- earned retirement plans, Cecilia is set to volunteer with people living with Dementia and support Dementia initiatives in the local community. Cecilia added “I am planning a couple of well-earned holidays and taking some time out with my husband Thomas and children Thomas, Emily and Gemma.”