After four decades of dedicated service to Health and Social Care, the South Eastern Trust’s Director of Surgery, Elective, Maternity and Paediatrics, Maggie Parks has retired.
From Bangor, Co Down, Maggie began her nursing career in January 1986 as a Student Nurse at the Royal Victoria Hospital. Her commitment, skill and expertise saw her rapidly progress through a series of roles, both internationally in Australia and here in Northern Ireland.
Maggie was appointed Director of Surgery, Elective, Maternity and Paediatrics in the Trust, in February 2023. In this role, she was responsible for the delivery of services in Surgery, Women and Acute Child Health and Elective Care across the Ulster Hospital, Lagan Valley Hospital and Downe Hospital sites. Her remit also included Theatres, Anaesthetics, Critical Care, Pharmacy, Laboratory and Radiology Services.
Reflecting on her remarkable career, Maggie said, “Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with many brilliant people and I wish to thank them all. I am proud of everything we have achieved together and I hope that this has made a difference to our patients and staff. When COVID hit, nothing could have prepared us for those years, but I will always be proud of how we pulled together, staff at every level, working under pressure like never before, united in purpose!
“Undertaking the role as Director has been a huge challenge, but it also has been an incredible privilege.”
“It is not easy to say goodbye. It has been an honour to work alongside you all.”
South Eastern Trust’s Consultant Anaesthetist Dr Bob Darling praised Maggie’s relationship with the medical staff and her patient centered focus. “It was a pleasure to work with you, to chat things through. You have always been calm, you have always been supportive. I want to say thank you on behalf of us all.”Wishing Maggie well in her retirement, South Eastern Trust, Chief Executive, Roisin Coulter, added, “Maggie’s dedication, leadership and expertise have made an extraordinary impact on our services and on the countless patients and staff she has supported over the years.
“I am incredibly grateful to Maggie for her commitment and I wish her a long and happy retirement.”