Clare passes on the baton after 50 years
After dedicating the last 50 years to nursing, MLHD registered nurse and midwife Clare Fitzgerald has retired from the profession.
Clare completed her training at St Vincents Hospital in Sydney in 1975 before moving to London.
When she returned to Australia, she worked in the Kimberly region of Western Australia and before returning to Sydney in 1983 to complete her midwifery studies at the Royal Hospital for Women, Paddington.
From there, Clare moved back to WA to work as a midwife.
“One memorable incident was during a flight to attend a Royal Flying Doctor Service clinic when suddenly the screens of the plane went black because they were covered in oil,” Clare said.
“The pilot and I looked at each other and he confirmed we were going to be ok as the plane had twin engines, so we landed on with one engine and I lived to tell the tale!
“I will never forget the magnificent skies of the outback and seeing Halley's Comet in the goldfields.”
Clare then moved to Wagga and began working in the Wagga Wagga Base Hospital Midwifery Department, which she describes as a “great joy and delight”.
“Especially making beautiful friendships as these were the best colleagues I have ever worked with,” she said.
“There are so any fabulous tales to tell but a standout would be delivering a colleague's baby within minutes of her arriving at the hospital. We managed to get her into A&E, but only just!”
Clare will retire on Friday 4 July 2025, leaving her role in the Day Surgery Unit where she has worked for the past few years.
“It was a huge challenge making the change from midwifery into the Day Surgery Unit. As I had been working with babies for so long, I noticed a big difference and I really enjoyed talking and listening to the elderly people we see,” she said.
“The people in our community have had such interesting lives and tell great stories and it is an honour to listen to them.
“I work with great people and my role is fulfilling and wonderful.
In the weeks leading up to her retirement, Clare has been working alongside the new graduates at the hospital.
“I can see that the future of nursing is in great hands,” she said.
“There have been so many changes since the time I started. Change is a good thing with lots of new pathways through development programs, education and ongoing research.
“For anyone considering working in rural health, Wagga is a beautiful city. It has magnificent sporting and cultural facilities and is a great place to raise a young family.
“Wagga Base Hospital offers all the services of the metropolitan hospitals but in a rural area.”
Clare’s plans for retirement including spending time with her family and future grandchild.