The Kilcoy Hospital team saying farewell to Kath Ellem, who retired recently after 45 years at the hospital.

It was a very heartfelt farewell to Cook Supervisor Kath Ellem who retired recently after 45 years working at Kilcoy Hospital.

Kath was born at Kilcoy Hospital in the 1950s and finished Year 10 at Kilcoy State High School.

She worked a few local jobs after leaving school, including the Victory Café at Woodford before she was offered a job in the kitchen at Kilcoy Hospital, where she stayed for four years before starting a family.

Kath had returned to work elsewhere, including ginger picking at Caboolture and Wamuran, when the Kilcoy Hospital Matron rang her and invited to come back for six months work in the kitchen.

“At that time, we were living just across the road… and I thought walking to work rather than driving would be good with my daughter only three months old at the time,” Kath said.

“So, I came back for six months because there was somebody off on leave, then somebody else went off and I stayed on. That was 41-and a half years ago (1980).”

Not many people stay in a job for 45 years. Kath said she loved the connection with patients and people she worked with – recalling many good times, particularly when the hospital had a thriving maternity section.

“I have looked after the mothers and the kids when they’ve come through and had their babies,” Kath said. “I have had fresh meals here for all.”

It’s also very personal with her family and many members of the tight-knit Kilcoy community having received care at the hospital.

What are her plans for retirement?

“Well, we bought a caravan and we’re going to head up north – my daughter lives near Mackay,” Kath said.

“I only get to see them once a year when I’m on holidays so will now be able to see them more regularly.

“My son lives at Delaney’s Creek and he’s got two little girls so we’ll see a lot more of them, too.”

The Kilcoy Hospital team held a lunch at the hospital to acknowledge Kath’s contribution and dedication to the hospital, patients, colleagues and the Kilcoy community.

Farewell and good luck, Kath!