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Media Release
Friends and Colleagues Say a Fond Farewell to Vivienne
Posted on 14 Sep 2009
Friends and colleagues said a fond farewell to Vivienne Payne who recently retired from her post as Patient & Voluntary Service Manager after working 34 years in the West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust.
Vivienne was mainly based at Watford General Hospital, but was responsible for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) and also Voluntary Services across all three hospital sites.
Vivienne said: "I was absolutely amazed and pleased that so many of my work colleagues and friends took the time to say goodbye. I started my first job with the Trust on the 24 April 1975 as an evening receptionist. In those days reception was in the Administration building, which was called ‘Shrodells.’ I can also remember the Princess Michael of Kent wing (main block) being built and the day when the Peace Memorial Hospital closed its doors.
"I have experienced many memorable occasions over the years. One of the highlights for me was being selected by the Trust to attend a reception at 10 Downing Street in July 2008 to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the NHS. For the future I am looking forward to having some ‘ME’ time and being with my family, especially spending time with my lovely granddaughters. I am not completely retiring yet and look forward to working with the Bereavement Services at the Peace Hospital for a couple of days a week.
"Over the years, I have been very fortunate to have had a variety of jobs, which have been challenging at times but all very rewarding. Most importantly to me is that through the years I have been incredibly lucky to have been able to work with so many lovely people who have become such good friends. I will miss all my friends and colleagues very much, but will always have very fond memories of my time spent at Watford General with much happiness."
Lesley Lopez, Head of Patient Services said: "Viv and I started working together on the main reception desk when the Princess Michael of Kent wing first opened at Watford and worked together from then on. Vivienne was highly respected throughout the Trust. She was always very loyal, supportive of both staff and patients and full of integrity. We miss her greatly but wish her all the very best in her retirement."
Ends.
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