Many of us make great friends at work, but it’s hard to beat the lifelong friendship of Diane Gillan and Michelle Kilah at Caboolture Hospital! They started working together in October 1993, the same year the hospital was opened.

Since then, the two have gone on to serve patients and consumers in the area for a whopping 54 years of combined service. Despite going on to work in different areas and places in the hospital, the two have remained tight-knit through it all.
Diane, a registered nurse working in Paediatrics, has always enjoyed having Michelle nearby as both a colleague and a friend.
“We met on the first day of working at a team planning day at the Sundowner Hotel prior to the hospital opening and just clicked! I can’t imagine my time here at Caboolture Hospital without her,” Diane said.

“Even though we moved to different roles around the paediatric department at Caboolture Hospital, we’ve always kept in touch, grabbing lunch together and seeing one another on the weekends,” she said.

Michelle, also a clinical nurse in paediatrics and now in Outpatient Services, says that having a close friend at work can make a world of difference.

“Working at a hospital you always have those days where you need someone to lean on or talk to, I’ve been so lucky to have Diane by my side literally the entire way. She makes work more fun and has always been there for me,” she said.

Now both with grown-up families, they often catch up outside of work. Diane and Michelle both believe that it’s important to surround yourself with people who will support and be there for you at work, no matter how many years go by!

Supporting each other, especially during these unprecedented times, is essential. If you share a friendship with a colleague be sure to let them know how much you value them.

Diane recently announced her retirement with her last shift earlier this month.

Outpatients Acting Nurse Unit Manager Bridie McCann said Diane was one of the most diligent and caring nurses she had worked with.

“Diane shares her knowledge and continued thirst for learning with her team and is always so patient and kind to her students,” Bridie said.

“Diane shared her love of music with us during chart preparation and even a serenade or two… and spoils us with handmade soaps at Christmas.

“We wish you well and thank you for your years of dedication and service to the nursing profession and all the lives that you have saved or touched during your extensive nursing career.”