'I loved working in a small hospital'

North Zone retirees put their heart into their careers and communities

Story by Diana Rinne | Photo by Kim Ruether

Almost a century of service to a pair of North Zone communities is being honoured and appreciated with the recent retirements of two Alberta Health Services veterans in Fairview and McLennan.

Jo-Anne Rose, X-ray technician (50 years)

In December 1972, new graduate Jo-Anne Rose boarded a bus from Edmonton to head north to Fairview for her first, and only, job as an X-ray technician. In time, she met and married a local man from the small farming community, and started her family. This past December, Jo-Anne Doll officially retired after a 50-year career in diagnostic imaging at the Fairview Health Complex.

“I grew up in a small town just outside of Edmonton and I knew I didn’t want to work in the big city,” she says. “I loved working in a small hospital.”

Over five decades, Doll witnessed many changes both in her workplace and her chosen career. “When I started in the old hospital there was still a darkroom and we had to manually process all the X-rays,” she adds. “We kept huge cupboards full of old films for years and years.”

Technology advanced to the point where all X-rays are now digital. “There’s been so much innovation — and you’re constantly learning as things advance.”

In fact, having opportunities to learn has been a highlight for Doll throughout her career.

“You’re doing everything in a small hospital from being the porter, to bookwork, to answering the phones. You pick up a lot from the people you work with, and from other professions along the way. After 50 years I’ve even picked up some nursing skills because when another set of hands is needed, you’re the one there to help.”

Doll has come to appreciate that one of the best things about living and working in a small rural community has been getting to so many people. “You get to know your patients, you get to know their kids.”

Doll says she’s “very much” enjoying her retirement. She’s looking forward to tending her huge garden this summer, and plans to spend more time catching up with family and friends, crocheting and enjoying quality time with her children and grandchildren.

“We’re just going to relax, sit on the deck and watch the birds,” she says, then chuckles.

Barbara Mader, site manager (34 years)

On May 1, 1989, Barbara Mader arrived in McLennan to start her new job at the Sacred Heart Community Health Centre in McLennan, as a newly graduated nurse from the University of Saskatchewan.

Fast forward nearly 34 years, and Mader is saying farewell as she heads into retirement after spending her entire career here. She’s worked for four health authorities – McLennan Hospital Health Authority, Peace Health Region, Peace Country Health and Alberta Health Services (AHS) – and her roles and responsibilities have evolved greatly over the years.

“I’ve worked as a staff nurse, charge nurse, acute-care nurse manager and the director of Health Services. In 2002 and with AHS, my title changed to site manager. I’ve been in the role ever since.”

McLennan has seen many changes over the years as programs and services also evolved to meet community needs.

“One of my highlights was working with the local stakeholders in the development of the Smoky River Regional Attraction and Retention Committee,” she adds. “Originally, this was created to support physician recruitment, but now this committee focuses on the support of all rural healthcare workers at our site.”

The creation of a strong local endoscopy program is another highlight. Now in its 12th year, the program sees surgeons from Grande Prairie coming to McLennan to provide care closer to home.

“I’m very proud to have worked in my home community for my whole career — and forever grateful for each and every opportunity that this career has given me.

“The staff and physicians at the Sacred Heart Community Health Centre truly have a deep commitment to serve and care for our patients, clients and residents — and I’ve appreciated working alongside them on my journey.”

In her retirement, Mader says she’s looking forward to more family time, farming, travelling and relaxing days at the lake.