“I love it to this day”: Legend of preadmission clinic retires after five decades

After nearly 50 years in nursing including 24 in Westmead Hospital’s preadmission clinic, Jeanne Beatty is hanging up her scrubs.

The soon-to-be grandmother of four finished her dedicated career at the foreground of the pandemic, becoming involved in COVID-19 testing as well as administering first and second doses of the vaccination.

Jeanne began her career at age 17 with three years of general nursing training at St George Hospital.

She was trained in midwifery before joining Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) working in high dependency gynaecology at Westmead Hospital, followed by 12 years in antenatal and gynaecology at Blacktown Hospital.

Jeanne began working at the pre-admission clinic in 1998 under nurse unit manager Barbara Gorman. This time marked the implementation of a new preoperative care model, created to optimize the patient experience and post-surgical outcome.

“Transitioning to the pre-admission clinic was a huge learning curve because of the variety of specialities we deal with,” Jeanne said.

It was a different kind of busy and a huge challenge that took me out of my comfort zone. I loved it then and love it to this day.”

Jeanne Beatty

Soon after joining the clinic she transitioned into the additional role of clinical nurse specialist (CNS) and became a mentor, passing on her knowledge to colleagues.

“Working by her side and building a strong working relationship allowed me to gain the knowledge and confidence that I can apply to my workflow,” said nurse Yanthrawadgee (Geetha) De Silva.

I’m blessed to have had the opportunity to work with Jeanne. We are not only saying goodbye to a co-worker, but to a valued friend.”

Geetha De Silva

In addition to her role in WSLHD, Jeanne has also provided her skills and expertise to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) as a support worker.

Jeanne has left a lasting impression in her time working at WSLHD. Colleagues said she would be greatly missed for her friendly and welcoming demeanour, as well as her commitment to her work.

“It’s been an honour working with Jeanne for a short period of time I have worked in the pre-admission clinic.  She has been so welcoming and caring since the day I started and is always so helpful,” said administration officer Tanya Shuetrim.

“I wish her a wonderful retirement spent with her loved ones.”

WSLHD thanks Jeanne for her service and dedication and wishes her the best in her retirement.