Dr Gray's midwife Maggie Macleod: Why I've been in the NHS for 40 years
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A Dr Gray's midwife that has spent 40 years working for the NHS has shared her story and outlined why she decided to stay put after retirement.
With an extensive recruitment campaign underway to support the Moray Maternity Plan, midwife Maggie Macleod has shared her story on why she continues to work at Dr Gray's Hospital in Elgin.
The 58-year-old is one of many nurses and midwives who are continuing to work under a Retire and Return scheme which helps the NHS to retain experienced staff.
Maggie, who has recently received two Daisy nominations for delivering exemplary care, said: “I still marvel at the job I have got and I have so much more to give.
"I didn’t feel ready to leave but I was finding life more difficult to juggle so that is why I decided to come back and support the day assessment team.
“I’m in a really fortunate position and I’m just loving it. Those of us who have been around a bit longer can support the new midwives and share our experience.”
Originally from the Isle of Lewis, Maggie began her training as a nurse in 1983 and went on to become a midwife working at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.
She and her family moved to Nairn 15 years ago when her husband decided to become a minister.
Maggie added: “We have got to know Moray really well. It suits me to be close to the coast – a bit like island life – and we are not far from Lewis where I still have family and friends.
“I remember when I moved up here colleagues wondered if I’d benefit from the same professional experiences with fewer births, but they have been pleasantly surprised.
"Up here we have the huge advantage of being able to support women throughout their antenatal care, birth and postnatal care whereas in bigger units you are often restricted to one particular speciality.
“I love feeling part of one of the most momentous times in people’s lives. You can make a difference if you care, listen to their hopes and support them through the whole experience.
"When you are in labour ward and you are eye to eye, if you have a connection you can get through anything together.
"Even in day assessment, you will often see people more than once for more detailed monitoring, you get to know them and they get to know you. I love that.”
