ONE of Britain's oldest NHS workers is to retire at 90after 58 years of service.
Cathie Lackie will step down from her job as a receptionist at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP) in Edinburgh after six decades serving NHS Lothian.
She began working at the old children's hospital in Edinburgh in 1966, where one of her duties was operating the switchboard, manually connecting calls by plugging cords into the right socket to put callers through to the correct department.
This retirement will be her second, following mandatory retirement rules that were in place 30 years ago at the age of 65.
However, Cathie's expertise and dedication were so valued that she was quickly asked to return.
She said: "When I first started and was on the switchboard, it was very different to how it is here now. I'm definitely going to miss the company and all the chats.
"I used to get to know the doctors quite well - that's been one of the best things about working here, to see them progress from junior doctors all the way to consultants - then they retire, and I see their children become doctors."
Allister Short, service director of Women's and Children's Services at NHS Lothian, said Cathie's professionalism and warmth made her a familiar and comforting presence for staff, patients, and families alike throughout her service.
He added: "Cathie is an institution for us here at the RHCYP. When you walked through the front door, especially at the old site, Cathie was always there with a warm smile.
"For children who were regular visitors, seeing her familiar face made a huge difference.
"Hospitals can be intimidating, but Cathie's welcome brought comfort to...
Cathie Lackie will step down from her job as a receptionist at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP) in Edinburgh after six decades serving NHS Lothian.
She began working at the old children's hospital in Edinburgh in 1966, where one of her duties was operating the switchboard, manually connecting calls by plugging cords into the right socket to put callers through to the correct department.
This retirement will be her second, following mandatory retirement rules that were in place 30 years ago at the age of 65.
However, Cathie's expertise and dedication were so valued that she was quickly asked to return.
She said: "When I first started and was on the switchboard, it was very different to how it is here now. I'm definitely going to miss the company and all the chats.
"I used to get to know the doctors quite well - that's been one of the best things about working here, to see them progress from junior doctors all the way to consultants - then they retire, and I see their children become doctors."
Allister Short, service director of Women's and Children's Services at NHS Lothian, said Cathie's professionalism and warmth made her a familiar and comforting presence for staff, patients, and families alike throughout her service.
He added: "Cathie is an institution for us here at the RHCYP. When you walked through the front door, especially at the old site, Cathie was always there with a warm smile.
"For children who were regular visitors, seeing her familiar face made a huge difference.
"Hospitals can be intimidating, but Cathie's welcome brought comfort to...
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Daily Record (Digital) - 1 Issue, March 27, 2025