Last change of uniform for Carol

As her 30-year career draws to a close, Westmead Hospital’s pre-admissions clinic administration officer Carol Pope shares her recollections of what’s changed at the facility over the decades.

Administrative staff uniforms for corporate and nursing staff and the digitalisation of the Medicare billing process and medical records jumped to mind.

“Back in the day, women wore a dress or a skirt, but now they can mix and match with a corporate pant and shirt uniform,” Carol said.

“In the early 90s the uniform was pretty much a one-size-fits-all brown bag. Thankfully how, the uniforms are getting better each year.”

As Carol contemplates her pending retirement, she also reflects on where it all began.

“In 1990, I started working in the University Clinic as a admin officer and four years later moved to the Pre Admissions Clinic (PAC) administration role,” Carol said.

“During this time, the Pre Admissions Clinic was known as ‘Clinic K’ and was located underneath the old escalator in the University Clinic in what we often referred to as the ‘dungeons’.

“I’m going to really miss the good staff support. Every day is a funny crazy day with the different personalities and idiosyncrasies of patients and staff which makes it interesting.

“I’m really going to miss my friends and the patients. I have so many fond memories from my time here.

“I plan on spending my leisure time reconnecting with my family, doing some TAFE courses and improving my fitness.”

Westmead Hospital’s pre-admissions clinic nurse unit manager Sirpa Manners has worked with Carol for more than 12 years.

“Carol is one in a million!” Sirpa said. “She has a perfect easy going personality to manage the very busy reception desk.

“She’s well-liked by the patients and staff from all departments. She’s also efficient, happy and a great all-rounder person who is respected and loved.

“We will miss her and we wish her all the best in her retirement.”