Derry nurse Marian McGrath retires after 'incredible' 52 years dedication to Nursing!

Altnagelvin Theatres and Recovery Teams bid a fond farewell to their wonderful colleague Marian McGrath who doffed off the scrubs for the last time on February 25 2025 after an incredible 52 years dedication to nursing!

Paying tribute to an incredible colleague and mentor Rowena Craig, DESU Theatres Ward Sister said: “Marian started her nurse training over 50 years ago on 5th Jan 1973.

"She has worked in theatres since qualifying as a staff nurse and has witnessed many a change over the years. Marian often reminisces about working through the troubles and the vast changes in surgical procedures witnessing the fantastic advances in technology.

“For many years Marian was our night duty Queen/ Mother and Aunty M to many. She led us in each and every emergency situation that came to our door.  She managed, supported and taught us all whilst still finding the time to make tea for the relatives of our patients.  I often wonder just how many nurses Marian has trained over her career. But have no idea where to even start!

“She done this while raising a family of four girls and one boy, working opposite her husband Aiden who was a radiographer in Altnagelvin Hospital (they met at the hospital and romance blossomed from there).

Rowena continued: “Marians life has been shaped by the trust in more ways than one.  Marian gave up her nights and opted for a post in DESU recovery in 2010. Where she worked until her retirement.

“One of Marian’s colleagues Sister Geraldine Ward described Marian as a true lady, she has mothered us, been our friend and a true example of what a nurse should be – and I can confidently say this is how Marian treated each and every one of the staff in theatres over the past five decades.

Jonah Atos,  International Nurse Coordinator at the Western Trust and colleague of Marian described her first introduction to working at Altnagelvin Hospital she said: “I have worked with Marian for over 23 years. Being a new Internationally Educated Nurse from the Philippines I joined the team in operating theatres at Altnagelvin Hospital and Marian was the most welcoming colleague.

"She exudes warmth, enthusiasm and was delighted to have me in her team. She has shown care, respect and empathy to her colleagues and patients alike. Marian is well organised and takes great pride in her nursing profession. I think that is why she has worked so diligently for the past five decades because of her innate care and compassion for others. Her patients simply love her. I am so proud to know and work with Marian.

"She is one of the most amazing nurses I have had the privilege to have met. She is the Trust’s very own Florence Nightingale and the ‘lady with the lamp’ during night shifts in Theatres.  Wishing you a long, happy and healthy retirement – we will miss you immensely.”

Rowena added: “As we celebrated Marian’s retirement it was noted that all staff had happy memories of working with her and just how much she will be greatly missed.

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“On behalf of Altnagelvin Theatres and Recovery Teams it is my privilege to say thank you Marian for an amazing 52 years of dedication across our theatre departments and to each and every one of us. You are the longest serving member of staff in Theatres and possibly one of the longest serving members of staff in the Western Trust.

"Your knowledge, skills, wisdom, support, love, care and hard work has shaped our individual journey’s. You have engraved a lifetime of cherished special memories in us all. What a achievement! We wish you, Aiden and your family good health and happiness for the future. Enjoy you well deserved retirement.”