Mayor Hosts Reception to Mark Retirement of Local Diabetes Specialist Nurse

July 27, 2016

Hilda Francey, Diabetes Specialist Nurse for the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust was recognised at a recent mayoral reception to mark her retirement after over 40 years of service in the nursing profession.

Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Brian Bloomfield MBE, speaking at the reception, said: “It is an honour to be able to mark the long service of Hilda who has dedicated her entire working life to improving the health of local residents.  There are many residents that will know Hilda from their check-ups at the local diabetes clinics.  To have committed over twenty years guiding those diagnosed with diabetes to ensure they have a long and symptom free life is amazing.

“Specialisms are something that many associate with doctors but they need the invaluable support of dedicated nurses such as Hilda.  She has been a regular visitor in recent years to the Council’s Headquarters as former Mayor, Councillor Margaret Tolerton chose the Diabetes Clinic at Lagan Valley Hospital as her Mayoral Charity, and I was part of the in-house Charity Committee.  This was inspired by Margaret’s interaction with Hilda, the Diabetes Team and their commitment to provide equipment to make life easier for diabetics that the Health Service was unable to procure.”

The reception was also attended by the Mayoress, Rosalind Bloomfield, nursing colleagues, patients of the Diabetes Clinic and council representatives.

Councillor Tolerton, who has Type 1 diabetes added: “Hilda is known, respected and appreciated by a large number of diabetics and their families throughout the South Eastern Trust area.  Many owe their lives and health to her dedication and persistence.  I thank Hilda for everything she did for me in the last 20 years. 

“I have no doubt without her care and advice I would not be able to enjoy a good quality of life after 56 years a diabetic.  She will be greatly missed at clinic throughout the South eastern Trust area.  Enjoy your retirement Hilda.”